Re: Herons and Eagles
Larry Line (Lscrap@erols.com)
Mon, 05 Apr 1999 10:23:08 -0400
Dave Mozurkewich wrote:
>
> I remember a recent discussion about eagles predating heron nests. For a
> view of what appears to be a more benign version of this inter-family
> interaction, you might want to check out the Great Blue Heron colony at
> Jug Bay, PG county.
>
> An occupied Bald Eagle's nest looks like it is surrounded on three sides
> by 30+ Great Blue Heron nests. When I was there, the herons were paying
> no attention to the eagle on the nest.
>
> In a couple of months, I would like to hear from somebody with more
> patience than I comparing the productivity of this colony to typical ones
> lacking a resident predator.
>
> I normally do not disclose the locations of active nests, but these are
> easily viewed from a safe distance and a close approach appears to be hard
> enough to be not worth the effort. Look upstream along the Mataponi Creek
> from the wood bridge connecting Jug Bay Park to Merkle NWR. Take a scope.
> Its a lovely walk from Shelby's Landing, but the lazy among us can drive
> between 10AM and 3PM Sundays.
>
> Dave
>
> David Mozurkewich
> Seabrook, MD USA
> dm@fornax.usno.navy.mil
Hi Dave,
The Eagle nest has been occupied for at least three years in the very
spot you mentioned. I agree the Great Blue Herons do not seem to
alarmed about it. Incidentally saw a Franklin Gull (1) mature @ Capt.
John's Restaurant Sunday. That is Cobb Island on the East side of the
Island. Larry Line, Clarksville, MD