[mou] Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets

[Mike Elling]

I know both of these birds have been back for a while now, but today
when I was out at our effluent channel here at work I counted no fewer
than 50 Great Blue Herons and another 20-25 Great Egrets.  The Great
Blue Herons were flying up from the shallow water, the shore, the trees,
just everyplace.  The Egrets were easy to see, even in the drab
lighting, as they roosted in the trees and you couldn't miss their
"whiteness" in the fog and mist shrouded air.  Other than a rookery, I
haven't seen this many together in one place before.  I found it pretty
amazing and quite a sight.

It seems the majority of the ducks must be through as I am seeing only
regulars now on the effluent channel.  Today only Wood ducks and
Mallards and a couple of Coot.

Mike Elling
At work in Ramsey County just downriver from downtown St. Paul