May 7, 2016

  • Herons

    A few days ago at Dana Point  several people were looking at the top of a small group of eucalyptus trees.  I followed their gaze, and heard the distinctive clack-clack of a nest of herons.  Looking more closely, I spotted some nests I'd not seen before, along with the tell-tale large white spot on the ground below.  I've not yet seen birds in the nests, but at the top of this tree, beautiful in itself,

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    there are 4 or 5 nests.

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    I will continue to visit the nests to see if there are birds there -- I'm hoping that my previous visits may just have been too early in the season.   It's an odd season this year -- in the last couple of weeks, we've had several days of really strong winds, and are now on the edge of some rain storms going through the area.  Hopefully this unusual weather will not discourage the herons, and they will continue to be in their nests for several weeks.

Comments (15)

  • The weather has been anything but springlike! We are under a frost advisory for tonight and the 67 degrees at noon has dropped to a cool 49 with a strong breeze. I hope the herons stay and raise some chicks... They are always cute and I love to see your photos!!

    • It's weird -- I see the herons one day, and then they're not there again! I heard today, though, of another location where I might find some close to a lake -- just have to find the right corner!

  • Yay, they're back! We've had strange weather too. I live about an hour south of murisopsis.

  • Terrific! I also hope they stay. The heat is due to return, this coming week, and the mists of June Gloom are sure to make the herons happy, as well.

    • I don't know -- they haven't been there since! weather? warm water causing food migration? I heard today of another location to go heron hunting, so when I come back from SB I'll go there!

  • They are amazing birds.

  • Exciting!!

    • I don't understand what they're up to -- I heard them one time, but they've been gone since then! Maybe the crows got the chicks?

  • I look forward to seeing cranes in those nests.

  • The "clack clack " sound you heard, was from the herons who were trying to attract your attention... telling you, "Look up, we are here. We have arrived!" Or, they could be saying, "Here is that lady with the camera. Better get ready to pose"!
    I am so glad you saw those nests up there. Eucalyptus trees are beautiful trees in my opinion.

    • Haha -- I think you're right -- but I'm afraid the crows got them (or perhaps the pelicans). They seem to have disappeared again. I learned today of another spot where I may find more after a trip to Santa Barbara over the weekend..

  • Happy crane hunting! Love cameras and hunting trips to use them. :0

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