Hi Tweeters,

I meant to post earlier about the Great Blue Heron
colony at Soos Creek Park at Kent's East Hill. Last
weekend I saw the herons are back. Although viewing
is difficult there were at least 6 occupied nests and
most had pairs already. I am sure there are more
nests in there but how to see them? When I was
leaving a bunch of herons were flying down to a
possible clear area or pond under the power wires near
the nesting area.

To get there take the James Street exit off of Hwy
167, go east for about 4 miles (James turns into
240th). At the bottom of a hill veer left onto 148th
Ave, the entrance to this part of Soos Creek trail is
about 1/4 of a mile away on the left near a big barn.
The herons are to the right from the T in the trail,
looking back towards 148th.

At Kent Ponds on the Russell Road side the tree that
had the Barn Owl box was noted to be cut down last
night. The crown of the tree was dying and that is
possibly why it was cut down. Two Northern Harriers
were flying together up high in the meadows and at
dusk the Short-eared Owl came out and gave a great
show. First it flew a nearly 360 degree circle wide
around where I was standing making a call that I first
thought was from a tardy crow going to roost but the
call was quieter than a normal crow call. Then it
came back towards me and hover hunted not far away.
It hovered for what seemed like a very long time over
one spot before dropping down for the prey.

For Russell Road part of Kent Ponds take Orillia Road
exit from I-5, go east, it turns into 212th street.
Immediately after driving over the Green River bridge
turn a sharp right onto Russell Road. About a mile
down on the left is a fair sized parking area in the
meadows part of the park. Occasionally the harriers
will perch on the fenceline there.



Kathy
Roosting in Kent, near Lake Meridian
(chukarbird at yahoo dot com)


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