March 8, 2015

  • Great Blue Herons -- March 1, 2015

    On March 1, still between storms, I also ran down to the harbor to see if the herons are back inhabiting their trees outside the Harbormaster's Office.   In midafternoon, there was little boat traffic in or out of the channel.

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    I was pleased to see one bird sitting on its nest.

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    Suddenly there was a moving fog of seagulls!  They kept on coming, long enough that I could grab my camera and make sure that it would focus in the right direction to capture the effect!

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    Yes, the heron is still there!

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    I believe there used to be another branch, with a nest, on the right side of this tree.  The summer and the drought have damaged the eucalyptus grove.

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    Yep -- he's still there!

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    Oh, good -- there's another heron in a nearby nest.  Maybe this is a sign that the herons are coming back.

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    And just a couple more harbor shots before I moved on.

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Comments (20)

  • Those herons are such majestic birds. I saw some in Orlando near my cousin's home. There is lake of sorts there, and I saw a few birds strutting around, and I recognized the herons. I am sure they are happy to be back, because I feel they missed the lady with the camera.

    • Haha! The lady with the camera worries about harassment of the birds -- I hope your interpretation is the more accurate! They are such beautiful birds!

  • Yea for herons returning!!

    • I hope so -- there was one yesterday that was working pretty hard on nest-building, so I think they're on their way back!

  • This is a good omen!

  • Gorgeous pics. I see you haven't lost your touch.

  • Oh, I love the pictures.

  • I always laugh when I see the nests these big birds make in trees.

    As usual, Janet. loved your National Geographic looking photos.

  • Beautiful pictures, Janet! Hugs!

  • I have one hanging around at the creek again...I wish there were two and I wish I could find their nest...I love your National Geographic looking photos too!

    • I've only ever seen nests that were way up high -- here, they like the eucalyptus trees. Thanks -- glad you like the photos -- but they're nowhere near NG quality!

  • I love seeing all your fantastic pictures. Thanks!!! I went looking this afternoon and found lots of herons on the inlet by the gulf. They don't go away from us but stay all year here.

    • Thank you! I rather expect that the herons don't go very far in the winter, but the pelagic population is changing, and they may have gone in quest of food. It's good to see them coming back!

  • Those piercing yellow eyes and the jaunty black crest make me swoon. But the thing that is the best is the smooth feathers of the head and the loose and feathers at the base of the neck and chest! I do hope they all return and that there are some photos soon of chicks in those nests!!!!

    • I'm still hoping to see more -- and I'm certain there will be chicks, after watching the nest building -- see my next post!

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