One of my favorite places to visit during the summer is the CWE rookery behind the Reliable Funeral Home. It’s magical to see these white birds gracing the sky. Nestled in the trees just off Washington Boulevard, this unlikely urban oasis is now home to one of the only active rookeries in St. Louis. Every spring and summer, the canopy fills with the flutter of Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Little Blue Herons, Black-crowned Night-Herons, and the occasional Great Blue Heron.
First documented in 2017, this rookery has grown significantly, with recent counts recording over 230 active nests. It’s an extraordinary sight in the middle of the city and a rare reminder of nature’s resilience.
Why Here?
The tall, mature trees offer ideal nesting sites, while nearby water sources provide food. Surprisingly, the setting behind the funeral home is peaceful enough for the birds to thrive. With minimal human traffic, it has become an ideal home base for these long-legged fishers.
A Close Call With Extinction
It’s even more remarkable considering that species like the Great Egret were nearly hunted to extinction in the 19th century. Their elegant white feathers were in high demand for ladies’ hats. Conservation laws like the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 helped bring them back, but suitable nesting areas remain scarce, especially in urban centers.
A Quiet Urban Wonder
Local birders, photographers, and curious passersby have caught on to this hidden gem. And while it’s tempting to get a close look, the best way to enjoy the rookery is from a respectful distance—binoculars are recommended.
Look up if you find yourself in the Central West End this summer. You might glimpse these elegant birds soaring overhead, part of one of the city’s most surprising and enchanting natural spectacles.
We watch these elegant birds from our CWE living room and balcony as they fly from Forest Park to the Tower Grove Reservoir and the Washington Avenue Rookery daily during the summer. One just flew by during our morning coffee. The bird life above the CWE tree canopy is very active.