The Great Blue Heron can be found throughout most of Canada - the southern regions of the Maritimes, Great Lakes, central Canada, and along the west coast of British Columbia. While the population in British Columbia remains year round, the heron is migratory bird, heading as far south as Mexico and the West Indies during the winter. Its presence in the sky is heralded by its long silhouette and the telltale "zigzag" of its retracted neck. 

Although not on Canada's Endangered Species List, the Great Blue Heron is considered a "species of special concern" in British Columbia, its breeding habits easily disturbed when wetlands are drained for development. 

The coins bear a face value of $300, $150, $75, and $30 respectively, with weights of one ounce, half ounce, quarter ounce, and tenth ounce. GST/HST exempt.