The annual Cool Springs Rookery Hike on March 16, 2024 was a great success with about 40 people, including numerous children and teens, participating.
Approximately 25 Great Blue Herons were at the nests. Although it is difficult from afar to determine what stage of breeding the birds are in, they were very active— males bringing sticks for the females to put in place and many herons on or next to nests.
According to Cornell’s “Birds of the World,” the male incubates the eggs for up to 10 hours during daylight hours, with the females incubating at night, so it is a fascinating sight to watch the comings and goings. Many participants also viewed the nearby Bald Eagle nest, with the head of one of the adults frequently seen just above the nest.