Where does the black-crowned night heron nest and breed?
Black-crowned night herons are colonial breeders. The largest breeding colony in the Bay region is on Fishermans Island at the mouth of the Bay. Other colonies are located near Baltimore Harbor, Mobjack Bay in Virginia and on islands near Tangier and Pocomoke sounds on the Eastern Shore. Black-crowned night herons may begin breeding as early as February, and new breeders may continue to arrive at colonies through the end of April. They nest in shrubs or tree undergrowth. • The peak of egg-laying occurs from mid-March to late April. • Females lay 3-5 eggs, which they incubate for about 25 days. • Most eggs hatch from late April to late May. • The young fledge after about six weeks, and most birds leave the breeding colonies from mid-August through October.
