Posted by Chuck Beatty on March 26, 2008 at 8:16 AM
I drove past the Great Blue Heron rookery in the CVNP this morning and the birds are paired up and preparing their nests. This rookery is located on Bath Road, between Riverview and Akron-Canton Roads at the south end of the CVNP. There are dozens of nests in a very small area. There is a turnout specifically for watching the nesting activities--with the view looking south. You'll be able to see the birds and nests clearly until the trees begin to green up in a few weeks. Bring a good long lens as there is a fence that will keep you from getting too close.
I don't have any images from this area, but maybe Jack will post one of his from years past.
You are about a month ahead of us in a normal year. We usually get the Herons toward the end of April. This year it will probably still be snowing in June.
Posted by Jack Graham on March 26, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Folks,
This is one of the things I miss about being back in Ohio. We have herons up here but not as easily accessed in nests like the rookery in the CVNP.
In addition to Chucks advice there are a few things you need to know to get some good images.
1) You are looking South East ( if I remember right)so early AM is the best time for the birds to be front lit. I don't have any but I've see some with the birds silhouetted against an orange sky sunrise.
2) Watch the weather. Though cloudy conditions render even light, the white sky, or gray sky can make a great image pretty dull.
3) I like to , if possible polarize to bring the blue sky out even more.
This was shot about 9 AM last April 29th
NIKON D200/ ISO200/NIKON /500F4(yes the old manual one!)/ F5.6 at 1/200th/Polarized
JG
Discussion
2 repliesI don't have any images from this area, but maybe Jack will post one of his from years past.
This is one of the things I miss about being back in Ohio. We have herons up here but not as easily accessed in nests like the rookery in the CVNP.
In addition to Chucks advice there are a few things you need to know to get some good images.
1) You are looking South East ( if I remember right)so early AM is the best time for the birds to be front lit. I don't have any but I've see some with the birds silhouetted against an orange sky sunrise.
2) Watch the weather. Though cloudy conditions render even light, the white sky, or gray sky can make a great image pretty dull.
3) I like to , if possible polarize to bring the blue sky out even more.
This was shot about 9 AM last April 29th
NIKON D200/ ISO200/NIKON /500F4(yes the old manual one!)/ F5.6 at 1/200th/Polarized
JG