New book preserves history of heron rookery

By Stephanie Hemphill

A lot of birders were dismayed to learn that tornado that struck north Minneapolis last week destroyed the Great Blue Heron rookery in North Mississippi Regional Park. A few birds were rescued, but most of the young chicks died.

Luckily, Rebecca Field has just come out with a book about the rookery. Field is a board member with Audubon Minnesota, and she spent more than 100 hours on the banks of the Mississippi River last spring and summer recording the entire breeding season.

Her book, The Great Blue Heron in the Rookery and Beyond, is full of pictures, and a complete description of the life of herons. Proceeds go to Audubon Minnesota.

"The rookery may be destroyed," Field said, "but I am so happy to have preserved its history in better times."

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