Monday 10 June 2013

Heron rookery –they're anxious to take flight!

Predators have to go 
through swamp water.

There they are - high atop the dead trees.

We have a rookery near us. Many stop and take photos at the side of the road. It's a pretty noisy spot,
Chicks are getting big!
They all stood up when the parent left to find food!
with cars hurtling by at great speed. Some motorists seem to need to honk at us in anger.
I think those on bicycles are a worse hazard!

I risked life and limb to take photos, as the little critters are amazing to watch.

I quote my late father, who every morning would wake us with, "Wakey-wakey time! Daylight in the swamp!"
It's quite the habitat. In last year's drought, the swamp dried up. Right now, there is a couple of feet of water below them.

Here you can compare adult and chicks

These are older photos.  
Amazing nests
Majestic Great Blue Heron
Heron on the dock

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

What beautiful birds. Your photos are breathtaking.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Wonderful Jenn...what a gift to have a heron rookery in your "backyard". (I could use your dad's wake-up line here, but Bill wouldn't appreciate it at all!)

Jo said...

Hi Jennifer, I popped in here from Our World Tuesday and love your word: Netiquette. Brilliant. Thanks for helping to keep this meme alive and well. Greetings Jo (now in South Africa, but normally in East Africa!)

The Furry Gnome said...

Nice pictures! Must be interesting to have a heronry so close. The closest we get is the occasional heron flying over.

The Furry Gnome

Fun60 said...

No wonder you can't keep away. They look fascinating.

Carver said...

I love herons and these are all great shots of them.

Unknown said...

Great shots!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Sylvia K said...

Wonderful captures for the day, Jenn!! Beautiful bird!! Have a great week!!

theconstantwalker said...

I have just had a wonderful browse around your blog...many thanks for sharing it.

Linda Kittmer said...

Wow Jennifer! How lucky you are to be able to enjoy these beautiful birds. I often see them at the cottage, and at a pond near our home, but I've never seen a rookery.

mick said...

Great photos - with all that water around it looks like perfect habitat.

EG CameraGirl said...

We have a heronry near us too. Aren't heronries fun? Neat shots!

eileeninmd said...

It seems like some birds do not mind having their nest in a busy area. Great shots of the heron rookery! Thanks for hosting, have a happy week!

Judy said...

Great photos, Jenn!!! Someday, I will get to see a rookery!!!

Christine said...

just beautiful, it's that wonderful time of year, everything is coming to life.

Red said...

Herons are very interesting to watch. they can stand motionless and the head and neck go down at lightening speed.

Allie said...

what a majestic bird...they seem like quite the company. Have a wonderful week & blessings to you!

xoxo,
Allie @ Framed by God
http://framedbygod.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Wow - what a fabulous sight! Those shots are amazing. Thanks for risking life and limb to bring us these.

Dana said...

Wonderful photos!

Have a happy Tuesday. ☺

Anni said...

This post is so impressive, informative and absolutely outstanding!!! You did us all a great service with sharing this, the photos AND the commentary. Well done

Barb said...

So wonderful to live close to the Rookery. I really enjoyed your photos.