Another Early Morning Adventure

I enjoyed the last early morning adventure so much that I was eager to agree to go again! This trip out into the wilderness was deep into the bush to find the Great Blue Heron rookery that my Father has known to be in existence for many years. I was sworn to secrecy before he would agree to take me to its location. The Great Blue Heron are most often seen foraging along the waters edge, but people rarely see their nesting areas. They typically nest in heavily wooded swamp areas, that are not traveled by humans or other predatory mammals. Human disturbance has contributed to the Great Blue Heron's nesting failures. The Great Blue Heron are very sensitive to disturbances while they are nesting. They have not been deemed an endangered species, but have been assessed as a species of "special concern" by The Committee on the Status of Endangered Species in Canada. So, you can understand why I am so thrilled to have had this opportunity! After trudging through the bush, having to detour around swamps, and making mental note of all the Black Bear dung I was seeing along the way, finally, I could hear the sound of the Great Blue Herons. I could see them flying above, and then, I saw the nests, high atop the poplar trees. My Father said that the last time he had been to the rookery there were only about six nests, but I counted closer to two dozen. It was breath taking! I was so caught up in the moment that I was neglecting my camera, which is not typical Kendra behaviour! Anyway, here are a few of the photographs from The Great Blue Heron Adventure... which was worth getting eaten alive by mosquitoes, covered in ticks, and trudging through heavily populated Black Bear country (armed only with a camera). ;)