I have heard from several people over the past two years about this little gem of a place called "Venice Rookery". It is small and intimate, a great inviting setting with ample opportunities for great nature enjoyment....come and take a look...
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| Right away I noticed how many families are occupying the small island and each families at different stages - here are a couple of Great Blue Heron chicks waiting to be fed. |
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| Situated at the top is a parent standing over its nest - most likely with eggs. |
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| In the middle is a Great Blue Heron chick that is practicing its wings - getting really close to fledge the nest. |
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| A Great-crested Cormorant family. |
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| This Great-crested Cormorant is drying its wings off from diving and fishing. |
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| The covered pavilion is close to the parking area, from there I took the path that traveled around the entire lake - finding many intimate benches along the way with glorious views. |
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| Anhinga chicks patiently waiting for more chow. |
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| More families - including the Black-crowned Night Heron flying off to gather up more sticks while catching the other's attention. |
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| One of my favorite families - Great Egret |
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| This was my first time to see them at this stage - I will not soon forget. |
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| Another family - the chicks here are much younger. |
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| One big cozy and happy Great-crested Cormorant family. |
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| Back to the Black-crowned Night Heron - being busy building his nest. |
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| Gathering up more sticks - I watched how he picked just the right one and very carefully too. |
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| Flying back to try it on for size and I bet it's going to be just right. |
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| Looks like they will be neighbor with the |
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| Black-crowned Night Heron |
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| More sticks - and building the nest deep inside the rookery island. |
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| "So, kids, listen up - we're having new neighbors and you better behave, you hear?" |
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