Our green herons are now on their own. I saw one bird at its nest tree this morning (8/24), but they are all free flying birds and have been experimenting with different fishing sites around the Wetlands.
Here’s some photos of the crew.


The rest of the images are from August, 24, a Saturday.



I’m assuming that all seven of the herons fledged. The most I was able to see at any one time was five and they were spread about the Wetlands but it’s a good bet that all of the herons survived. Now, they have to make it through their first winter.
Good luck!
How likely is it that they will return to nest here again?
I’m certain that some, if not all, will return, the ones that make it through their first winter. Whether or not they nest here again is another story. I think they’ve nested here in the past, in a more secluded location, so I’m betting that, yes, they will come back and try again next year. They seemed to have done well this summer with few disturbances, good experiences tend work in favor of a return visit.
Thanks,
How soon will they scatter from the area Greg?