Capturing images of great blue heron takes inspiration, patience

I’ve met many people who are inspired by the awesome natural beauty and power of the James River. There have been many environmentalists, outdoorsmen, naturalists, artists, fisherman, photographers and more born from perhaps a single visit to Richmond’s riverfront.

Gizzard shad swimming up the James River to spawn

Richmond Times-Dispatch environmental reporter Rex Springston points out a welcome sign of spring: gizzard shad make their way up the James River in Richmond to spawn. See the story and video on timesdispatch.com:

Have white egrets joined the great blue heron rookery?

Bird-watcher extraordinaire Jim Alexander has several new notes, including the possibility of two pairs of great white egrets settling in downtown Richmond for this week’s Pipeline great blue heron rookery update:

Pipeline great blue heron count consistent around 70

This week’s great blue heron update from our eye in the sky above Pipeline Rapids, Jim Alexander:

Count is consistently around 70+/-, so we concur with Ralph White’s statement of 70 during the recent Channel 12 coverage.

Ralph White: Great blue heron rookery is ‘unique experience’

Credit: NBC12.com

NBC12 paid a visit to the great blue heron rookery at Pipeline Rapids in downtown Richmond and spoke with James River Park manager Ralph White, who was as colorful and knowledgable as ever.  See the video on NBC12.com: