Sterling, N.Y. — The commotion of boisterous youth squawking for food from their parents and posturing to leave the nest are familiar to families of teenagers. Such was the scene at Sterling Nature Center’s great blue heron rookery in late June, heedless of the wildfire smoke blowing across Lake Ontario from Canada.
At Sterling Nature Center, beaver dams have created a rookery for great blue herons. When beavers construct dams, nearby trees soon become tall, dead trees: the ideal location for herons to build nests and raise chicks. The dam water both prevents predators from reaching heron offspring and provides ample, nearby food.
The young herons are nearing the end of the fledgling stage: as yet unable to fly and dependent on their parents to deliver a continuous stream of fresh fish from the beaver-created wetland and Lake Ontario. The fledglings’ rapidly growing bodies crowd their nests and challenge the strength and capabilities of their caregivers. Soon, the young herons will set off, constrained only by instinct and conditioning.
The rookery is one of the highlights of Sterling Nature Center, currently boasting seven nests spanning 60 acres of flooded wetlands. There are viewing areas, some with benches. Notably, visitors can view a small waterfall from a dam breach along the Dogwood Trail, which is spurring some beavers into enthusiastic activity to assess and repair their site.
If you visit, a good pair of binoculars is recommended. The 1,400-acre county park is free and open year-round for hiking, jogging, bird watching, dragonfly watching, picnicking, observing wildlife, kayaking and canoeing, as well as snowshoeing in winter. See a list of the trails on the nature center’s website.
MORE INFORMATION
Address: 15380 Jensvold Road, Sterling, N.Y. 13156.
Hours: Open from dawn to dusk year-round.
Bathrooms: There is a porta-potty in the parking lot.
Cost: Admission is free.
Pet policy: Dogs must be kept on a leash and owners should be prepared to clean up…
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