 | | | | | | | Early February is often a great time to see beaver during the day as they make their way to small openings on the winter ice. They have been in their dark dens for most of the winter and are continuing to adjust to true daylight periods.In late February or early March, the three heronries in the Cuyahoga Valley break into a noisy ruckus of courtship rituals. Great blue herons, four feet tall, sport brilliant breeding plumage with striking long plumes. The birds go through an elaborate repertoire of courtship displays using their long necks. They sometimes lock the tips of their beaks and sway their heads in a fencing-like motion. Often we see male herons fly to their nests carrying sticks in their beaks. The males present their sticks to awaiting female partners, who add them to the nest. This action strengthens the pair bond. We can observe courtship displays throughout their breeding season, which typically ends in July, once the young fledglings take flight. |
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