Jenny McClintock wrote 
" QUESTION: I have noticed for the past few years a couple of high 
trees, each with 8-10 large flat nests in them near the Eastbound 
exit onto Route 175 from Route 29 South. You can see them about exit ramp
looking to the west.  I don't know of a way to get closer to them to get
a better look, but have always  wondered who uses them: hawks, owls? 
This evening as I was making the exit, I notice the silhouette of a GREAT
BLUE HERON in the 
 sunset, standing tall on top of one of the nests.  Does anyone know any
more about the nests?  I have always wondered if I could get closer to
those trees by walking one of the paths off of VantagePoint Rd., but
don't know that area very well.  Anyone? "

Hi Jenny,

Finding a nesting bird is always a cool thing!  The nests you observed
were of Great-blue Heron nests.   A herony is neat to see, but please
keep in mind that the birds are nesting and are on eggs or newly hatched 
young at this time of the year.  The young birds and colony a very
susceptible to disturbance especially when it is still cool.  If you want
to enjoy observing heron behavior please be sure you do it from a
distance to make sure birding enthusiasm and excitement of seeing the
nests interfere with the nesting colony.  Birders must always keep in
mind the welfare or the birds we observe and minimize human disturbance. 
Not to mention disturbance to land owners and neighbors too.

If you can't find out how to observe these nests from a vantage point
that is safe to both you and the birds, contact me off line and I will
let you know of a place you can observe a heronry and not be concerned
about disturbance.

Naturally,
Mike Callahan
Nanjemoy, Charles County MD