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

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?