Birdwatching at Blue Heron Holler

A Blue Heron nesting ground, a heronry, is located on the riverbanks of the East Fork of the Little Miami River at Blue Heron Holler.

There are several hundred large nests a short walk from the luxury housing where you are staying. Follow the pedestrian road to the left as you approach the pond from the parking lot, which takes you to the riverbank (stay left). At the end of the road to the right, you will see a path that takes you deep in the heart of the Heronry where there are over 100 nests. This is the deepest place on this river and widens the further you walk upriver. The Heron are here because the fishing is the best. 

The Herons are here from Valentine’s Day to mid-July. Great Blue Heron are over 4’ tall, weighing 5-6 pounds, with a wingspan approaching 7’. Their hollow bones allow for the large profile with light weight. You may see them close to you standing still on the banks, slowly stalking fish, frogs, and other small animals along the water’s edge. Their nests are 30-70 feet up in the trees, and you will see them flutter from tree to tree when they realize you are here. Listen to their chatter. Please be quiet while you visit. 

Both male and female help in building the nests and caring for the young. Males return first in February to claim existing nests. Several weeks later, the females arrive. March and April are best to see nest building. Males present sticks to females who then weave them into the nest. Softer materials like twigs and leaves line the inside of the nest. The females lay three to seven eggs over a few days. Both parents share incubation (sitting on the eggs) for approximately 28 days. In late April and early May, hatching occurs over several days. May and June you will see adults bring food to the nests. It takes 56 to 60 days for the young to fledge (early July), with feathers being strong enough to fly.