On Friday, March 22, 2013 9:27:40 AM UTC-4, lydia schindler wrote:
> Could someone please give specifics about where to look for these herons? What about parking?
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> Many thanks.
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> Lydia Schindler
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> Darnestown, MD
Hi Lydia,
I just came back from looking for them myself--saw nests but no herons this time. I usually find them about one visit out of three, and once last year was there when 2 came back from foraging. Anyway, the place near the Sligo Creek Golf Course is just downstream from where you come into view of the course. If you pass Dallas on the right, you went just too far, so go on to the golf course and turn around. (I've done that before, even knowing which turn off it is!) Coming back from the golf course you can;t miss the wide pulloff on your right.
Park at the farther end of it, near the footbridge, and look up--last year a nest was right overhead there. Then go to the bridge and look left, downstream; a nest is in a tree near the bridge. It's hard to tell which are new nests a'building, and what's from last year--they all look pretty flimsy; like a pile of sticks. It was amazing last year to see three young ones in one of those nests, practically over the bridge. They seem to pick the places with the most human activity--near roads, bridges, paths and playgrounds--when near by are much more private locations. I'm convinced they like to people watch
The other place I saw them in past years is just upstream from the bridge that is up from the tennis court, which is itself upstream from Piney Branch. That nest is usually high up in trees over the stream, but with a good view of the playground--more people to watch!
If you see any dog watchers going by, you can ask if they've seen the herons, and get the latest sightings; most of the regulars keep as close an eye on them as birders do. Good luck.
Patricia Wood
Silver Spring
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