I was astonished and delighted to see our first heron yesterday, standing in the icy waters of a retention pond near our home. Then, today, I passed by a preserve that has been devoted to herons. I don’t know if it could be called a “rookery” or not, but this is a major breeding site in the Chicago suburbs, and the trees and man-made “masts” were covered with birds. YEA!!!!
While we were in Florida, we visited a bird refuge, and saw many of the heron and egret varieties that come to this area for the summer. They are simply beautiful birds! And, on our trip south I was able to get within twelve feet of three sandhill cranes. Dear Husband said that he saw some of them flying north today.
Yesterday, I looked out our kitchen window, toward the bird feeder a short while before dusk, and counted TWELVE male cardinals feeding. Of course, there were most likely twelve females, too, but it takes a little more careful searching to see them, since they blend in so very well.
My friend Cop Car, and her daughter Bogie, are much more informed birdwatchers than I am, but one day I may catch up to them. It’s a lovely hobby.