Blue Herons, chicks nesting in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Volunteers are helping visitors spot Blue Herons and their chicks in Golden Gate Park over the next few weeks.

The nests at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park have seen 179 herons over the years. They court, build their nests, mate, and lay eggs between January and March. By April some of the nests have chicks, and this year there are six nests.

Nancy DeStefanis has been the Heron Lady since 1993. "There are 12 adults flying in and out sitting on eggs," DeStefanis said.

Beginning this Saturday and for the next six Saturdays DeStefanis and volunteers using spotting scopes will help direct attention to the herons and chicks and explain their behavior. "People started calling me the Heron Lady and I've been doing this since 1993 and we've been very fortunate that the birds have returned every year to put on this magnificent show for the public,"

The observation site will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information on the San Francisco nature education program visit their website www.sfnature.org