On Wed at noon, I saw 5 GREAT BLUE HERONS, none of which I believe were of the
nesting pair, as 3 In adult plumage were sitting peacefully on upper branches
and 1 in juvenile (or missed molt) plumage was lower on same tree: this is
another dead snag tree about 100' from the current nest tree, and yet another
adult was on the berm below the tree. While it is difficult to see the
incubating individual on the snag tree, we've seen it rise up, rearrange
things, and disappear once sat down again, so I think she/he was probably on
that nest. I think none of the new 5 were the current M since he actively
defended the nest site earlier this Spring from some other 'intruders'; it
seems unlikely he would be less defensive with eggs on the nest but I'm not a
heron expert.
Thu morn, I saw one of the (new) adults present a nice big stick to another on
that same (new) tree. They positioned it along the branch (precariously),
mutually preened, then turned to face into the stiff wind we had then. I walked
on, but on my return, saw 1 bird, and no stick. But at noon, I could see 2
sticks hooked together on that branch.
Today 745am, I am stunned! There are probably 30 sticks interwoven. Both birds
were actively working together to weave another in as I watched. One flew up
with it, presented it, the other started pushing it into the mesh while the
bringer held it, just like those handy little desk vises with the two
adjustable alligator clips, was my (hobbyist-inspired) thought. BTW, this nest
is easily visible for picture-taking from north Wilson trail.
Then I looked around and tallied simultaneously at least 5 herons on 5
different trees on the pond. This counts the weaving pair on 1 tree, the
incubator on the big snag, then 3 more visible sitting in other tall trees. All
had adult plumage; I haven't seen the juvenile today.
So, if you want to see the birth of a rookery, come on up to Sapsucker Woods!
_
Chris Pelkie
Research Analyst -- 607-254-1108 -- chris.pel...@cornell.edu
Bioacoustics Research Program
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
159 Sapsucker Woods Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
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