Grey heron

I passed through Beatrixpark on the way to the Town Hall to obtain a Dutch driver's license. Named after Queen Beatrix and created in 1938 as a romantic, English-style park with a small lake, several canals, walking paths and cycling roads, it is very peaceful and relaxing. There are lovely benches scattered throughout the park as well as sculptures, trees and other plants, flowers, and many species of birds.

Nesting high atop a group of pine trees is a colony of grey herons, a rookery. Grey herons are common in Amsterdam and have a large range around the world. Weighing 2.2-4.6 lbs., they are 39" tall and 33-40" long with a wingspan of 61-77". Currently, this is breeding season, evidence of which is the bright bill sported by this bird. Normally it would be a lighter shade of pink. Males aggressively defend the nest and then, when the babies are hatched, both males and females feed the young. Judging by the activity in the treetops, there are several nests with chicks.

I was enjoying watching the herons, as well as the Egyptian Geese with their dozen babies, the ducks, the wild rose-winged parakeets, and other wildlife in the park. The flowers and sculptures were beautiful and it was easy to wander. I never did make it to the Town Hall... Carpe diem.