Ilse Jorgensen and I took advantage of irrationally summer-like weather and
scenic foliage to drive down to Fishers Hill, thinking it would cap the lovely
drive if the great white heron was present in some visible location. We were
not disappointed.
We stopped first at the tiny and amiable country store/P.O. where the
customers and proprietor were very happy to show us pictures and tell us the
last-seen location. After buying nearly the last hydroponically grown fall
tomatoes,
we headed for the area near the little dam. Sure enough - the heron was in
plain view, a bit somnolent (apparently having a full crop and no desire to be
active), but preening and gazing. We took too many pictures (little changed
from
one to the other) which will be uploaded tomorrow. We had good opportunity to
note the yellowish legs and even the bird's extraordinary height, although it
extended its neck fully only once, and not long enough for a photo.
It doesn't look as though that bird is in any hurry to go anywhere unless the
creek were to freeze solid (which the locals say never happens).
To get there, just take I-81 South to Strasburg, go through town on Rt. 11,
turning right to follow Rt. 11, and watch for the SMALL sign to Fishers Hill.
Leni Friedman
Arlington/Bluemont
