The Nest

From January 29, 2012

Went out to the marsh at about 9am Sunday morning.  It seems that Daddy G was out and about while the Mrs. remained at the nest.  She spent her time grooming and occasionally pulling off new twigs to add to the nest.  Only one other nest had two GBHs in it; the others had only one.  The Sandhill Cranes have also returned to the marsh.  I could hear them better than I could see them.  In addition, there was a lone Anhinga hanging out at the top of a tree, above one of the Heron's nests.  Soon, when the water recedes more, I expect the return of the Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Little Blue and Tri-Colored Herons.  I am hoping to see the Black Crowned Night Heron make a return to the marsh as well.  I saw him last year for the first time.  He may have been there sooner, but appears to be shy so could have easily been missed in the past.  There was also a Bald Eagle soaring high in the sky with the vultures.  An Immature Bald Eagle has also recently been spotted on more than one occasion.  As far as I know, there are at least 5 Eagles' nests in the area (not the marsh) that are active.  I really do have a great backyard!  Following are a couple of photos of the Mrs. and her time in the nest.

The Dating Game

From January 26, 2012

This morning I went out and Daddy G was standing guard over his nest.  Perhaps because he had a woman in there!  She seemed to be busy fixing things up.  She was putting twigs in their proper places.  He left after some time and went over to the neighbor's.  Meanwhile, back at the nest, she was primping and preening.  There was quite a bit of activity.  It seems that three other nests have pairs in them.  Daddy G flew off at some point, but did not return to the nest.  As I was standing there, one of the GBHs flew right over my head!

After a period of time two GBHs flew over to the neighbor's, one of which I believe to have been Daddy G.  They stayed for a while.  When they took off, they headed right for Daddy G's nest.  There was a bit of commotion.  Daddy G returned to his earlier post while the other flew over and landed to the left.

Immediately, the dating rituals began. 

This went on for a short period of time.  During this process, the third GBH sat and watched.  Perhaps he (?) was waiting to see the outcome?  Some time later, the young lady in the nest, flew out, made a big circle and then returned to the nest.  Shortly thereafter the third party left, making quite a few large circles in the air behind the nest before flying off for good.  Daddy G looked after him for a moment, but then settled in for some grooming.  All seemed to be peaceful again.  Will be back out tomorrow.  Can't wait to see what the day will bring!





Beginning continued

01-25-2012

I went out to the marsh this morning hoping to see Daddy G.  He was not in his nest, but there were three GBHs in the same nest where three were prsent yesterday.  One of them was very busy searching for nesting materials while the two others spent most of their time grooming themselves.

To my delight, one of the GBHs took off and flew over to another nest....Daddy G himself!  Perhaps he was the third in that nest yesterday as well.  I found it interesting that he was at the neighbor's.  I am not sure if he was trying to pilfer some materials or maybe was trying to lure away a female?  He spent a few moments walking around the nest but then began grooming.

I was only able to observe for a short time because I had to get ready and then go to work!  I have yet to see a mate in the nest.  Until tomorrow.....

The Beginning continued......01-23-12

I went out to the marsh around 3pm today only to find Daddy G's nest empty.  I did get a closer shot of the nest as it is right now.  By the time the babies are born there will be a lot more green visible.  God really knew what he was doing when he created nature!  The nest building is done when the leaves are gone and twigs are easier to find and then the babies are protected when everything comes back to life in the spring!  This is a photo of Daddy G's home:

It does not look like much, but it works!  He was not home, but his neighbors were.  I saw three other nests; two with GBHs in them.  Following is a photo of one of them:

He is pretty camouflaged behind the branches, but he can be seen.  It will be interesting to see what develops in our little colony.  I am hoping that Wednesday morning I will see Daddy G again.  Maybe he will have a little lady with him!  Until then.......

The Beginning - January 22, 2012

Last year I followed a nesting pair of Great Blue Herons (GBH) throughout the season; from nest building to babies' first flights.  This year I thought I would keep a blog in order to share their story.  Let me start by saying that our property backs up to a marsh.  Each year, GBHs, Anhingas, Sandhill Cranes and Egrets use this marsh as an active nesting area (rookery).  Today is the first day that I have seen Daddy G (what I will call the GBH in the same nest I followed last year).  Of the four active nests I saw today, Daddy G's nest is the one I can get closest to, and thus, it is the one I can photograph more easily. 

My goal is to update this blog as often as I can, but at a minimum of 2 times per week.  I was so excited today to see that the boys have returned.  Next, I hope to see Daddy G with a Mrs.  They mate only for one season.  Unlike other birds, they do not mate for life.  In addition, they try to build their nests at the highest place possible in the trees they choose.  The Anhingas always nest below them.  It will be interesting to see the nest building (refinishing - old nest still there) begin.  I remember the excitement of seeing the younguns for the first time last year!  I can't wait to see their story unfold throughout one more season.  Please join me for the ride!