Great Blue Heron Rookery Walks Begin This Weekend!

The Virginia Audubon Council, Richmond Audubon Society, and the City of Richmond’s James River Park System have partnered for the 2014 Great Blue Heron Rookery walks. The walks have been scheduled for Saturday, March 8, March 22, April 5, and April 12 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. and will begin at the James River Park Pipeline Walk located at South 12th Street. There is also an afternoon walk scheduled for Saturday April 26, 2014 from 3 to 5 p.m. in celebration of Earth Day.

The Great Blue Herons will, throughout the spring, be courting, nest-building and breeding in preparation for egg-laying and raising their chicks. Every walk will bring its own set of sights and sounds for the whole family to enjoy! It is suggested to bring binoculars to be able to see the herons up close.

This event has a $5 charge per walk, per person for the benefit of the Virginia Audubon Council and the Richmond Audubon. Participants are being asked to meet in the grassy area west of 14^th Street.  Parking is available on a first come, first serve basis in the lot that is closest to the Rookery in Shockhoe Bottom.

 

Please contact director@virginiaauduboncouncil.org for more information. Those interested can also find out more information at www.virginiaauduboncouncil.org .

Guided Walks to James River Park's Heron Rookery Offered

The department has partnered with the Richmond Audubon Society and the Virginia Audubon Council to offer guided walks again this year to see the Great Blue Herons making their home in the James River Park.

     The popular walks will be offered on three Saturdays; February 16, March 16 and April 13, from 10 a.m. to noon. Each walk to the rookery will bring its own sights and sounds as these magnificent birds court and build their nests throughout the spring in preparation for laying their eggs and raising their chicks. The cost of each is $5 per person.

     No registration is required. To participate in one of the guided walks, bring $5 in cash and meet in the grassy area on the northwest side of the 14^th Street Bridge. To participate in this tour, you must be able to climb a small ladder. You may also want to bring a pair of binoculars.

    For more information, call (804) 646-5944.

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