The previously reported Tricolored Heron's were both present today
(Saturday) around 11:30 am. Upon arriving we saw only one of the birds just
upriver of the bench (see directions below). A short while later the second
bird flew in from upriver and landed right in front of us, allowing for
excellent views.
It was interesting how many visitors stopped along this location to view and
photograph the river, while oblivious to the rare avian traveller right
under their nose. My wife took the opportunity to educate several stoppers
as to the presence and typical range of these birds, and we also invited
such people to great views though our scope. That was as fun as seeing the
bird in the first place!
Directions (from Kayo Roy's earlier posting):
Once in Niagara Falls drive along the Niagara Parkway above the Falls to
Dufferin Island. Lots of tourists there at this time of the year and
parking can be a real problem. Go to the south entrance road to Dufferin
Island and park here. IT IS FREE. Walk back across the Parkway towards the
Falls and look for the small GATE HOUSE HYDRO building (less than a 5 minute
walk). It is just south of the much larger old Toronto Hydro Building
(sometimes called the Engineerium building). There is a little parkette
between these two buildings....walk along the NORTH side of Gate House
building to the river edge. Look for the park bench closest to this small
building, the heron was opposite this bench feeding on small fish standing
on some very close shoreline rocks.
Note: upon arriving, if you don't see the herons just out from the bench,
search the area just up river and close to shore. The first bird we spotted
remained in that area and seemed to prefer a little more seclusion. The
second bird was a bit more outgoing.
PS. While in the Falls, you might consider taking in the Cirque Niagara show
Avaia - we saw it last night and it was amazing. More info is available
online, and tickets are about $40 and up. Well worth it, we bought tickets
for the 10th row and were 'invited' to sit in the 2nd row (due to the number
of unsold seats) - so close that the horses would have crushed us should
they have fallen over during their performance.
http://www.cirqueniagara.com/
Jason and Karen Miller
Guelph ON
