They're Back! (Herons)
The herons are back in town. Actually, I’m not sure they ever left. They are known for migrating. Some have become year-round residents, especially when winters are mild, like this year.
The mating season (March – May) has begun, and there are three nests (perhaps more) over the Jones Falls near the Stieff Silver Building (Wyman Park Drive Bridge leading into Druid Hill Park, which turns into East Drive).
I took a leisurely walk on the Stony Run / Wyman Park Trails Monday afternoon, making a stop at the Falls to see if the herons had returned, and there they were – in such splendor, looking regal as ever.
During my visit, I met a few photographers who were vigilant in their quest for pictures of these illustrious creatures. These guys are serious photographers and I’m in awe of their work, and I encourage everyone who reads this post to check out their websites – John: gemphoto.zenfolio.com and Dave: photosbydavel.com. (Thank you, gentlemen for sharing a bit of your adventures, your love of photography, tidbits about herons, and Dave, especially your clever wit. I’d like to see the two of you collaborate on a book. I’m ready to buy.)
I was surprised to learn the heron may be a beautiful bird, but they are indeed wild. Don’t think they are always polite. No, these birds are out to survive and thrive. They are known for building fresh nests or refurbishing old ones in treetops near feeding areas, and far from human disturbances. The males will sometimes bow their heads and then steal sticks from another bird's nests just to try and impress a female. This is all a part of their mating rituals.
For those who live in the area, put the herons on your list, and if you have children I encourage you to bring them along because they will enjoy this adventure. Print out "heron facts"online to make the experience educational, and don’t forget to bring binoculars and a camera.
Nature – it very seldom disappoints, if ever. It’s awe-inspiring – month to month, year to year and season to season, there is beauty to be found. What I love most about nature is its resiliency. – paerki
The mating season (March – May) has begun, and there are three nests (perhaps more) over the Jones Falls near the Stieff Silver Building (Wyman Park Drive Bridge leading into Druid Hill Park, which turns into East Drive).
I took a leisurely walk on the Stony Run / Wyman Park Trails Monday afternoon, making a stop at the Falls to see if the herons had returned, and there they were – in such splendor, looking regal as ever.During my visit, I met a few photographers who were vigilant in their quest for pictures of these illustrious creatures. These guys are serious photographers and I’m in awe of their work, and I encourage everyone who reads this post to check out their websites – John: gemphoto.zenfolio.com and Dave: photosbydavel.com. (Thank you, gentlemen for sharing a bit of your adventures, your love of photography, tidbits about herons, and Dave, especially your clever wit. I’d like to see the two of you collaborate on a book. I’m ready to buy.)
I was surprised to learn the heron may be a beautiful bird, but they are indeed wild. Don’t think they are always polite. No, these birds are out to survive and thrive. They are known for building fresh nests or refurbishing old ones in treetops near feeding areas, and far from human disturbances. The males will sometimes bow their heads and then steal sticks from another bird's nests just to try and impress a female. This is all a part of their mating rituals.For those who live in the area, put the herons on your list, and if you have children I encourage you to bring them along because they will enjoy this adventure. Print out "heron facts"online to make the experience educational, and don’t forget to bring binoculars and a camera.
Nature – it very seldom disappoints, if ever. It’s awe-inspiring – month to month, year to year and season to season, there is beauty to be found. What I love most about nature is its resiliency. – paerki
