The ‘Prodigal Son’ returns. But not to the welcome he expected.
This first year juvenile mostly likely was born in this rookery.
I watched him fly in and do large circles over both the swamp and rookery. You could see this was not his first visit, but he/she was also too young to be nesting.
Several times the Heron landed next to birds building their nests, as if he belonged. He was told to move on…vigorously. Sorry no free meals, you’re an adult now.
Most likely a late born chick from here who has lived in the nearby marshes until now. From the looks of this bird I believe we have photographed him recently.
Wonderful photo. When will he be mature enough to join the ‘dating pool’?
I would have thought this year, but he doesn’t look it. Might have been a late chick. Some nests had young late last year.
I think he saw birds on the old nests and stopped by thinking he would get fed. Others have seen him land on nests he is not welcome. They adults chase him away very quickly.
A bit of tough love😏