The Great Blue Heron is an unmistakable bird in the Chesapeake Bay region

It's skinny legs and graceful flight is a favorite among bird enthusiast and casual nature watchers alike. Yet, there is one place where these birds make noises beyond belief as they are clustered together. It is their breeding colony.  

Ruler of the nest

With most birds, a breeding colony is known as a rookery. However, herons have their own special term, "herony."  They range anywhere from five to 25 nest. Herons prefer to nest away from a lot of human traffic and near a body of water. They prefer very tall trees, especially pines, to lessen the possibility of eggs and chicks being attacked by snakes. While the birds are very safe, the young chicks provide a lot of sound as they call for their parents to feed them.  

Stalking the shoreline

York River State Park has two heronies. The one on Taskinas Creek can only be seen by canoe or kayak. We are not sure how many nests are there. The one on Woodstock Pond can be seen from the piers and spillway. Simply look for the tall pine tree that leans to the left. On Saturdays, park guest may find a Roaming Ranger to help point out the nesting birds. Shutterbugs are sometimes led to this herony to capture heron images during our monthly Photo Walks.

Dinner on the net 

Visitors who are not a part of a ranger guided program can feel free to admire the herony as the chicks hatch, develop, and fledge. Rent a Jon boat or paddle boat for a closer look. A good pair of binoculars or a spotting scope will help viewers better appreciate the beauty of these birds from the ground.  

Learn more about York River State Park here, and for directions click here.