I had a reminder this week to keep your eyes open for birds of the “non-stilted” variety as well! The area is teaming with wildlife such as this Red-tailed hawk. (It’s ok; they only occasionally eat other birds, so the herons should be ok. For now.) Even the common Canada goose looks stately as it shoots the rapids. Also be on the lookout for kayakers who enjoy shooting our Class IV rapids, though they seem less stately and a bit more crazy since the water temperature is hovering right around 40 degrees.
I have been following one of the few paired sets of herons (there’s still a lot of eligible bachelors out there ladies!) and it still amazes me that they have decided to make their home so close to the middle of downtown Richmond. It was interesting to get a different perspective and see them set against the skyscrapers. I’m also very glad they chose such a convenient location. February can be cold and there are at least five coffee shops within easy walking distance.
It’s mid-February and you probably think that the only thing left to celebrate this month is President’s Day. (Doesn’t everyone take the day off to dress as their favorite founding father?)The Marmota monax (ground hog) has seen his shadow and the cherub has spent all his arrows. (My wife loved the bundle of sticks I got her!) Well, I’m here to add something else to your busy social calendar. February 18th marks the return of The Great Blue Heron Rookery (heronry!) tour James River Park Manager, Ralph White. Mr. White announced that he will be retiring in 2013, so this is probably the last season you will be able to do this tour with him.
The tours start at the 14th Street boater’s takeout at 10:00 am every Saturday from now until March 31. Cost to join the tour is $5. To help identify yourself as a loyal reader of the James River Association blog join me in yelling, “Heronry!” every time the word “rookery” is used!
HERONRY!!!
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