Great blue herons building a nest in Wakodahatchee Wetlands, Delray Beach, Florida

A day for giving. Great blue herons

The largest heron in North America, the great blue heron makes its nest in a ‘basket’ made from twigs, usually placed high in a tree. The herons line the interior with moss, leaves, grass, and other softer materials, and tend to return to the same nesting site each year, though not the same nest. Male herons find building materials while the female assembles the nest, then both birds maintain and add to it. The helpful male heron shown here is presenting his mate with nesting material—he seems an apt mascot for this year’s Giving Tuesday.

Always observed on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the U.S., Giving Tuesday has been adopted in Canada as well. It has begun to spread around the globe, as other countries embrace the idea. The purpose of the observance is to encourage everyone to set aside some time to do something good for others. So this year, after you’ve finished your shopping, think about contributing to your favourite nonprofit, giving to someone in need, or just helping someone build their nest.