I'm not sure if this is an open secret, but I've never read about it on
va-bird, so I thought some people might not know about it.
I just visited the great blue heron rookery between Route 28 and Loudoun
County Pky, along Broad Run, a few times over the last few days. There are
about 15 nests which are in clear view (though there are more, hidden
deeper in the trees), and most have 2 chicks. There are a range of chick
ages - ranging from some which appear almost fledged (and attempting to
fly) to some whose heads are just barely above the lip of the nest. Parents
are continuously flying in with food - which makes for interesting
interactions between both parents, and the chicks.
A great place to scope out the herons is a parking lot for a warehouse
(currently under construction) along Loudoun County Pkwy. It is on the East
side of the road, just south of Marblehead Drive and Loudoun County Pkwy.
(One caveat: given that it is under construction, it is probably preferable
to go before or after working hours. I was there at 5:15 yesterday, and
there was no activity.)
The herons' nests are in a group of tall sycamore trees almost directly
east of the parking area. They are noticeable as the trees stick out a bit
higher than most of the other trees along the horizon (and have less
foliage). Scanning the horizon with binoculars should make them easy to
find, as the adults standing on the nests are quite visible.
Unfortunately, the nests are at some distance away, so I would recommend a
scope for longer-term viewing, rather than a pair of binoculars. One can
see the chicks feeding quite comfortably with a 48 - 60x scope.
Hope this site might be new to some people!
Cheers,
Arjun Bharioke
Lansdowne, VA
