Great Blue Heron Survey
Each year, the herons return from their winter migration long before most of us think winter is over (February), and begin their nesting. The nests are left behind by the previous owners, but the new inhabitants still feel a need to add more materials and make it their own. Pretty soon, maybe around April, you can see the tiny heads of the newest members of the family poking out of the nests and by July, they have "flown the coop" so to speak.
This is one of my favorite free field trips. If you are ever anywhere near the area (which is very close to Montrose, West Akron and Cuyahoga Falls), you really should take a quick detour to view the herons. The heronry is located on Bath Road between Riverview Road and Akron-Peninsula Road. There is a small parking area off the side of the road with signs and an informative plaque. You can stand and watch the glorious birds as they roost in their nests, their long necks curved and bent into a number of different shapes, and every few minutes, one will spread its massive wings and fly around the area, usually bringing something back to the nest. I find them fascinating, and my daughter enjoys it as well.
If you decide to drive up to see the heronry, make a day of it by hiking or biking one of the many nearby trails, picnicking in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and/or visiting the F.A. Seiberling Naturealm, one of my favorite branches of the Summit County MetroParks. The free visitor center is always interesting, with many different real animal exhibits.
So Go! Now! Before they are gone, go visit them at home. And if you can remember, come again next spring to watch them return and begin again.
1 comment:
If you're visiting the Bath Rd. Herons, I would suggest going in the evening. This way, you can go right around the corner and see the beavers. They're out, building, nearly every evening around dusk.
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