Now Available in White!

By Nick Kotula, JRA Guest Contributor

Kayak goes in the water. You go in the kayak. Bird’s in the water. Our bird. Sing a classic sailing song. “Farewell and adieu to you fair Spanish ladies”…

That’s right ladies and gentlemen; the James River is full of great whites! Great white egrets anyway. (Cancel the cello music.) While observing this week I spotted three of them hanging out in the interior of the island. I snapped this picture as one of them was heading back in from hunting.

The Great blue herons don’t seem to mind the visitors. They are continuing the process of building nests and doing what they do! There have been some reports of eggs, though I have yet to see anything personally. Of course, they are perched at least 20 feet up in trees on an island in the middle of the river, so I’m not really sure how I would know! Any advice on getting a look at the nests without being obtrusive (besides wading through the river and climbing a tree with a camera around my neck) would be appreciated!

Meawnhile, back with the ospreys…I found and reported a nest! After scouring near the 14th Street Bridge, I decided to head back to my car when out in the distance I noticed something. Using my handy dandy binoculars (Christmas presents, they rock!) I realized that I was looking at an osprey nest perched a top an electric transmission tower in the middle of the James! After doing some exploring, I found the perfect place to perch (pun intended) and managed to get a few good shots. The nest is very visible from the Manchester Bridge and its exact location has been uploaded to the OspreyWatch project.

Conservation-Reduce your overall waste

by Anna Salzberg, JRA's Outreach Intern

SPRING- It’s never too late to start composting

Composting is a term used in many circles concerned about living sustainably, but never really discussed in great detail. I, myself, am located in the James River watershed and always aspire to be more environmentally conscious in my daily life. However, I had a feeling that when it came time to start composting that I could end up with a really smelly mess that attracts urban wildlife. That’s not the desired result! Therefore, I want to share some easy ways to ensure that you start your composting this spring without disturbing neighborly relations.

1. Location, location, location

As with real estate decisions, the decision on where to locate your compost pile is essential to its success. You want your pile convenient, so you are not walking miles to your pile, as this will lower overall enthusiasm for the project. Do a bit of research concerning the laws or homeowner association regulations in your area to discover if there are any restrictions concerning location and management of compost. You want the location to have a good level foundation with good drainage and partial sunlight. Be sure to be respectful of any neighbors because, let’s face it, the pile won’t smell of roses. The solution is to plant roses all around your pile! Surround that compost pile with diverse plants and flowers, and this will decrease the amount of complaints or ugly looks you receive from neighbors.

2. Size matters

I recommend your first pile be in the area of 3’ x 3’ x 3’ or 5’ x 5’ x 5’ feet. One of the most important actions taken in managing your compost pile is being able to physically turn the pile. So unless you are Superman, keep your pile on the smaller, more manageable size. Use some type of simple containment walls around your pile to keep things neat. Consider recycling an old wooden pallet. They’re usually free.

3. Time to start layering

Layer #1 should be added to bare ground unless you have a problem with standing water or tree roots, and then you can put a layer of material down first. Dump your vegetable waste, sod, grass clippings, leaves, hay, straw, chopped corncobs, corn stalks, untreated sawdust, twigs less than ½ inch in diameter, or garden debris onto the pile and spread evenly -- don’t compact. Do not add pet waste to your pile! Layer #2 should be some composted cow manure or a commercial compost starter to increase the heat and speed up decomposition. If this is not available, add one cup of 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 commercial fertilizer per 25 square feet. If using a commercial compost starter, follow label directions. Layer #3 is some fresh garden soil or any top soil will work just fine. Be sure to add about 2 inches of soil.

4. Give your pile some TLC

Your pile needs heat to decompose faster (approximately 110°F), which is usually attained once the pile has had a chance to sit for 2 weeks. Once you start adding to your pile, make sure you keep turning the pile so you mix in the fresh material with the older. Turning adds air to the pile and allows you to add water. You want the pile to remain damp, but not dripping more than a few drops when squeezed. In the winter when the temperature is too cold to increase decomposition, you can winterize you compost pile by covering it with a tarp to help keep the temperature high.

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/homecompost/building.html is an excellent resource for composting information.

With Apologies to Sir Mix-A-Lot

By Nick Kotula, JRA Guest Contributor

I like big birds, and I cannot lie. You other birders can’t deny. When a bird walks in with some itty bitty legs and a big beak on its face…

Seriously though, there are few things that can get me awake and at the James River by 6:30 in the morning. I hope the herons felt as privileged as they should have. (Though honestly, I don’t think they noticed.) The air was cold enough to make the river seem warm. Walking down the pipeline I made a game of finding the four-foot-tall gray birds in the gray fog.

As I was watching the heronry, I noticed three birds (there’s a Bob Marley song in there) with five-foot-long wingspans circling the island. The first thing I thought was that someone had found breakfast. Fortunately (for the herons at least), Pandion haliaetus eats a diet that consists almost exclusively of fish.

For those of you who skip the Taxonomy category on “Jeopardy,” Pandion haliaetus is better known as the Osprey. They join the ranks of oversized avians that frequent the Pipeline Rapids. Their large talons, sharp beaks, and super keen eyesight make them experts at finding and grabbing the shad and herring that have started up the river to spawn. The Osprey (Ospreys? Osprii?) that I saw swooping and diving were hunting for a different prey…sticks. (Again, who doesn’t love a good stick?) And where there are sticks, there’s bound to be a nest nearby. Drop a note in the comments if you have any suggestions on where to go hunting for this Osprey Loveshack, and I’ll do my best to bring you an exclusive look! We can also report our findings to Project OspreyWatch! (Thanks, Pat Calvert (follow him!) the James River Association’s Upper River Keeper, for the tip!)

As you can see, the river was raging this week. Although I did not need the sign to tell me not to, if the pipeline looks like this…don’t walk on it! Also, don’t run with pointed sticks, never dress up like a deer and go play in the woods during hunting season, and never, ever, talk to me at 6:30 in the morning when I’m on the James if you don’t see a cup of coffee in my hand.

Being a RiverRat Comes Naturally to Charlotte Boudreau

Newport News RiverRat, Charlotte Boudreau grew up close to the river where her family used to boat and water ski and picnic on the beach near Smithfield. It’s easy to see why volunteering to become a JRA RiverRat came so naturally to her. As she says, she has always been conservation minded. “I want to teach others how important it is to take care of our resources and help save the wildlife. Monitoring the river seems like a wonderful and enjoyable way to help.”

A retired school psychologist, Charlotte currently volunteers with the Newport News Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists and the Living Museum. She also participates in some Hampton Roads Bird Club activities, like the annual bird count, and in the John Clayton Native Plant Society to promote the use of native plants. And, she still finds time to devote to her RiverRat patrols.

She monitors the Warwick River, a tributary of the James that begins near Fort Eustis and winds several miles down to the James. Most of her patrols are done by kayak since the narrow and safe river meets her comfort level, unlike the five mile wide stretch of the James where she lives. In describing the Warwick, she calls it a fairly pristine river because one side is residential with a wetlands and marsh buffer, while the other side is government-owned land that is used by the Army.

Her advice to any other nature lover to consider a volunteer opportunity: “I would encourage others to become a RiverRat because it is so important to take care of our resources for future generations to enjoy and because the James is such a special river.”

For more information on becoming a RiverRat visit our website.

Top 5 Spring Fling Ideas in the James River Watershed

by Anna Salzberg, JRA's Outreach Intern


1. It is time to cleanup that winter layer of trash! Please come participate in a James River Association trash pick-up. The first event will be held April 20th from 1pm-3pm at Belle Isle, Richmond. If you can’t make that date, then you are in luck with a second opportunity on May 19th from 10am-12pm at Horsepen Branch, Henrico County. Check out the James River event calendar for details, as registration is required. We hope to see you out there.

2. You have the opportunity to experience a truly unique ‘start of spring’ eco-paddling event with the James River Association and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as your guides in and around Presquile National Wildlife Refuge. There are wetlands, creeks, and the river to enjoy teeming with diverse wildlife and yes, our favorite bald eagles too. The event is planned for May 12th and this event is free, but registration is required. You won’t want to miss this unique opportunity.  http://jamesriverassociation.org/news/calendar

3. Hike the James and do some wildlife viewing. Check out the link below to sweat a little bit, breathe some fresh air, and lay your eyes on your very own natural amusement park! There are many paths you can take depending on the challenge you are seeking, but the important thing is to get out near the river and appreciate what is already there for all ages to enjoy. http://www.hikingupward.com/OVH/JamesRiver/

4. You might not realize it, but Richmonders can travel a short way downriver to enjoy a tour of bald eagles from a very good friend and expert of the James River, Captain Mike Ostrander. On his Discovery Barge II, a comfortable 24-foot covered pontoon boat, you’ll experience majestic bald eagles closer than you may have ever seen them. Captain Mike will even provide binoculars so you can view this national symbol up close and personal. http://www.discoverthejames.com/

5. Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens is an amazing place filled with so many species of plants and flowers with roots from all over the world that it will blow your mind. The rose and Japanese gardens are truly unbelievable sites, and the Conservatory will dazzle you with the orchids on display from March 10-April 22. All are available for touring and there is even a hands-on area with a castle for the children to explore. Lewis Ginter is definitely a must-see this spring. http://www.lewisginter.org/

It’s What’s for Dinner

By Nick Kotula, JRA Guest Contributor

If a picture is worth a thousand words, here are about six thousand words for you:

Oh wow, look at that heron standing in the river looking all majestic.  I wonder what he’s thinking.

Uh oh, he’s about to fly away.

Oh… wait…

Holy mackerel!  (Actually, I think that’s a shad.)

There’s no way he can eat all that…

The Great Blue Heron feeds mainly on small fish, about half the size of its bill.  Apparently, this one did not get that memo.  It was amazing (and a bit gross) to watch the fish flopping around inside the neck of the heron.  It is also not unheard of to find a heron that has choked on a fish that was too large.  Fortunately, I did not have to administer the Heimlich maneuver or give mouth to beak on this visit.

Sit Right Back and You’ll Hear a Tale…

By Nick Kotula, JRA Guest Contributor

“Make sure you take care of Woody Allen on the way out,” was not something that I thought I would hear when I went down to the heronry for a two-hour tour with Richmond legend Ralph White.

Mr. White has been the head of the James River Park System for the past 32 years and has announced his retirement effective January 2013. My brief experience showed a man who was passionate about the river and had a plethora (triple word score!) of information to share. I encourage you to take advantage of the heron tours now, while you still have the chance.

 
Back to Woody Allen and how he figured into the tour… You must remember that the thing that makes this particular heronry so unique is that it is located in the heart of downtown. These are urban birds; which means they occasionally wear their bills backwards (har) and they have to put up with things like graffiti. (So far I have seen no proof that the herons themselves are creating the graffiti, but I’m keeping my eye on them!) A large part of what Mr. White has been able to accomplish has been through coordinating and harnessing the power of volunteers. It speaks to Mr. White’s drive to make the James River Park System better that he took the opportunity to teach the eighteen of us on the tour, but also to bring in volunteers to help beautify the area.

I made another trip to the heronry right around dawn during the week. If you are familiar with the story of the birds and the bees (at least the birds part) you will have no trouble imagining what I came across as soon as stepped onto the beach. Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on how you look at these things), they showed a modicum of decency and wrapped it up before I could get my camera out. However, I was able to spy a few herons in the river engaged in the more mundane act of hunting the numerous fish that have already started heading up the river!