Herons back on track in Balt. County
Peter Webb (pwebb@bcpl.net)
Fri, 09 Apr 1999 18:33:00 -0700
After all the suspense and worry, things are looking up here in
Baltimore County; TWO Yellow-crowned Night-herons were together
today on the nest over my house just inside the Baltimore Beltway
off exit 18 on the northwest side of the metro area, near
Gwynns Falls, a major crayfish stream.
This morning, I observed one bird on the nest but heard a
"woop" cooing sound I'd previously heard the bird on the nest make,
only the sound was coming from across the street! I tracked it down
and found a second bird perched in a large oak there (not in view from
where I first heard the call). This left me with the same question
I've had on my mind since the first encounter of two birds last Monday
evening: was this an interaction between two rivals of the same gender
both coveting the nest site, or were they two birds of opposite gender
exploring the rituals of getting to know each other and accept each
others' presence? Upon my return home from work today, I saw the
apparent answer with two birds together standing on the nest!
What a relief! I was so worried that I might be witnessing a frustrated,
unpaired bird unable to find a mate and ready to give up the site and
search elsewhere for romance. I guess we're back on track now, with
a pair present and rebuilding the nest much like last year.
So when's the best viewing time? Up to now, with no established pair and
only the one, frustrated bird, the highest probability of seeing the
bird present was in morning, about 7 to 8 am, and again about 6 pm.
With both birds established, I believe that one bird will be present
most of the time now, with best viewing times being those of best lignt,
about 6 pm, when the sun angle and light are best, although any time
in the afternoon will be fine. Best views are from our front sidewalk,
looking up above the left end of the house.
The next few weeks will be best for seeing the adult(s) in breeding
plumage finery, with best color and plumes. Next month, the eggs (not
yet laid) will hatch, but the babies will be small and hard to see,
hidden mostly behind the lip of the nest; as they get older, towards
mid-July, they will be much easier to view, although they are cutest
at their smallest.
Anyone wishing to get a viewing may e-mail or call 410-486-1217; while
I (Pete) work during the day, Carolyn works at home and is usually here.
:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
Pete Webb
Baltimore, Md.
pwebb@bcpl.net (home, after 6 pm)
pew@niroinc.com (work, M-F 830-5)