The Return of the Herons

This morning I was out harvesting asparagus spears, when I heard something that made me look up at the roof....just in time to see a green heron take wing.  For weeks I have noticed signs (chalky droppings under the live oaks) but have sighted no large birds other than the broad-winged hawk (a bird predator.)  

This morning's visit from the heron was thrilling.  (A little later I heard some brief cackling and spotted a heron stopping in  one of the trees where nesting has previously taken place.)
The first year we hosted green herons, there were seven offspring from at least two nests.  The birds visited the pool when we were swimming, eagerly accepting gifts of crickets.  In following years the birds were less numerous and more skittish.....and the hawks took a great toll.  

Hope springs eternal..... We hope that one or more mating pairs will nest in our trees and bring off a brood successfully. 

These photos are from previous years.  The mahogany breast is seen on adult birds; young herons have striated breast markings.  Green herons are swift fliers (unlike the Great Blue Herons who fly at a much more stately pace.)  Generally they are shy and prefer not to be watched. 

An upstairs window gave us a view of the nest high in one tree

Young herons waiting for handouts

Grooming