Ben and the Great Blue Heron: A Paddle Adventure Camp Story

With the summertime fun right around the corner, I am reminded of one of the most one-of-a-kind experiences I have ever been told of. This story comes from one of our Environmental Educators and Paddle Adventure Camp leaders, Ben Beresford.  

If you are not familiar, Paddle Adventure Camp (often referred to as PAC) is a unique experience designed to introduce rising 8th through 11th graders to the joys of kayaking. These expeditions take our campers all throughout the Hudson Valley such as Croton River, Little Stony Point, and right out of Rye’s own Edith Reed! While this program is largely intended to help build paddling skills, leadership abilities, and confidence overall; there is no underselling the external benefit of full immersion out in nature! The wildlife you can encounter when exploring new waterways is unparalleled to what can be found in our parks and back yards.

Personally, I believe Ben’s story highlights this fact better than any other. So, without further ado: Ben and the Great Blue Heron - Dictated but not written by Ben Beresford. 

Canopus Lake welcomed the Paddle Adventure Camp team as they prepared to set off for a day of exploration. Eager to seize the morning, campers settled into their kayaks while group leaders made sure everything ran smoothly. The group launched together, staying close as they paddled through the first stretch of the lake, taking in the layout of the water and the beauty of their surroundings. The lake is a haven for wildlife and adventurers alike, offering clear water, sweeping views, and fascinating flora and fauna throughout. 

As they began to find their rhythm, a large bird near the bank caught the group’s attention. It didn’t look like the usual ducks or geese they were used to seeing, so they carefully paddled closer. When they got near, they realized it was a great blue heron. While common in this part of New York, its size and elegance still made an impression. Herons typically wade through shallow water to hunt for fish, but this one was floating like a duck—an unusual sight. As the group observed, they noticed the heron wasn’t moving much at all. That’s when they saw the fishing line tangled in the tree above, wrapped tightly around both of its legs. 

The heron, clearly exhausted from struggling, remained surprisingly calm—it likely couldn’t escape even if it tried. The team quickly realized the bird needed help. But approaching wasn’t without risk. Great blue herons have long, sharp beaks used to spear fish, and no one wanted to end up on the receiving end. As the kayaks came closer, the heron began to defend itself with what little energy it had, pecking and snapping at its would-be rescuers. 

With no special rescue tools on hand, the PAC team had to get creative. They devised a simple plan using what they had: a towel, a knife, and a couple of brave volunteers. One leader waded carefully into the water while another remained in a kayak nearby. The first gently covered the bird with the towel, bracing for resistance—but the heron was too tired to struggle. The second leader began cutting the fishing line with care, mindful of the bird’s sharp talons. Layer by layer, the line came free, and the heron slowly regained mobility until it was completely unbound. The towel was removed, and the bird stood free at last. 

By that time, the group had contacted the park staff, and a conservationist had arrived to take over. The exhausted heron was handed off into capable hands, and the PAC team resumed their journey. The rest of the day on the water went smoothly, but the heron remained the center of conversation—how it had become so tangled, whether it would recover, and what might have happened if they hadn’t come across it. 

As they paddled back to shore, the team spotted that same conservationist standing on the bank. He looked up and pointed to the sky. There, soaring above the lake, was the great bird—unbound and free. 

If that story made you want to get in on this summer’s adventures, there are still spots available! For more info and to register, click here!