Gowanus Herons: Making Their Home On The Edge Of A Superfund

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This past Saturday, I came across the bird pictured above, who was sitting on the edge of the Gowanus Canal at Second Street.  Some of my readers have identified is as a green heron. (Someone else suggested it was a cormorant.)
I have seen them next to the toxic waterway before, but I never cease to be amazed by their majestic presence in such a foul environment.
I reached out to Gowanus resident Eymund Diegel, who canoes on the canal regularly.
Eymund sent along a few more photos of  herons and egrets that have been sighted in and around the Gowanus.
Rather amazing, aren't they?

 Egret, May 2011 photo credit: Eymund Diegel

Great Egret at the Gowanus Dredgers' dock at 2nd Street 

photo credit: Eymund Diegel

Black Crowned Night Heron photo credit Eleanor Hanlon

Green Herons on Gowanus Floating Garden

photo credit: Adam Katzman

Egret, April 2011 near birdhouse installed by Gowanus Conservancy 

photo credit: Eymund Diegel

Egret on Gowanus Conservancy Heron Platform at 2nd Ave and Gowanus Canal May 2013
photo credit: Eymund Diegel