Great Blue Heron turns in the Air
Taking advantage of a pleasant morning following a very rainy day and preceding more clouds, we paid a visit to the heron rookery of the Summit County Metro Parks. The rookery, where the big birds make their nests, is situated along the Cuyahoga River at the north end of Akron, Ohio. Every year flocks of Great Blue Herons (and bird watchers) descent upon the site. Parking areas along the busy road bordering the nature preserve allow easy access, though utility poles and wires along the road often interfere with watching and photography.
Sunlit Wings – Silhouette
This year, for the first time, we saw the entire population of herons abruptly rise into the air and circle high above their nests. Apparently, the birds were spooked by the appearance of a Bald Eagle and/or hawk near their nests. The huge herons probably stand a better chance against raptors as a group and in the air than when standing on their nests.
The weather this week is expected to be cloudy with rain chances every day but we hope to return soon for further developments during this year’s nesting.
Great Blue Herons circling above their Nests
PhotonStopper 