Thursday, February 12, 2009

Heron Park, Vermillion County

Scott had a meeting in Danville on Tuesday morning. After his meeting we drove to Heron Park to check out the heron rookery. The parking area was closed, and huge chunks of cement were stacked behind one of the gates. There was room to pull off the road in front of the gate. We parked and walked the boardwalk before checking out the rookery.
HeronPark02102009JGWard_MG_8115
HeronPark02102009JGWard_MG_8113
We saw four Turkey Vultures soaring in the air over the park and later over Danville. Although there were no Herons sitting on the nests, four Herons flew over while we were there.
HeronRookery02102009JGWardIMG_0558
Two Red-tailed Hawks were cruising the area.
Red-tailedHawkHeronPark02102009JGWardIMG_0517
Red-tailedHawkHeronPark02102009JGWardIMG_0542
Four Bald Eagles flew over while we walked the trail near the Heron rookery.
BaldEagleHeronPark02102009JGWardIMG_0482
BaldEagleHeronPark02102009JGWardIMG_0484
BaldEagleHeronPark02102009JGWardIMG_0485
Thousands of Canada Geese were on the water, with more coming in the entire time we were at the park. The sound of their honking filled the air.
GeeseHeronPark02102009JGWardIMG_0425
These two geese were in the little pond by the rookery.
GeeseHeronPark02102009JGWardIMG_0556
Several Red-winged Blackbirds were trilling around the edges of the water.
Red-wingedBlackbirdHeronPark02102009JGWardIMG_0402