[Bristol-Birds] Heron Roookery decline near Big Stone Gap

I have been watching a GBH rookery near Big Stone Gap on Butcher's Fork near 
the confluenc with the South Fork of Powell River.  The highest number of 
active nests was 19 at one time.  Two sites less than 50 meters apart.
Tuesday and Wednesday I saw only 6 nests, 5 with birds standing in them.  

Last year at this time there were 11 nests with birds...  This is a serious 
decline.  I have not been seeing nearly as many GBH in my ramblings as I have 
in recent years.  I am concerned that the birds are being killed by people who 
fear that they are eating gamefish.

Bill Cawood, Big Stone Gap, VA

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