Sad news today. Former Devil's Lake State Park Naturalist and author Ken Lange has passed…
With so much going on recently, sometimes it’s nice to know that the park’s wildlife just keeps moving along. Out at the Heron Rookery, on the south shore of Devil’s Lake State Park, the early arrivals have already scooped up the best locations (Generally in the center of the pine forest). They are busy building their nests for the new season. When you look around, you’ll notice that there are still many empty nests still in the trees. These are likely to have tenants as well, once the late arrivals show up.
Visiting The Rookery
The easiest access to the Heron Rookery is at the CCC parking lot. In the lot, you simply look up into the pines. The majority of the rookery is to the south of the parking area, but the heron will nest in the pine trees all around the parking area. The great part about visiting the Heron during these interesting times is that if you wish, you can watch them from your car. They are big birds and easy to see, (Even cheap binoculars make it more enjoyable!) once you locate a nest. They can also get very loud as they chatter, argue and nest build.
If You Go
Just a reminder, Don’t walk under the nests. (Heron are into “human distancing”) Not only does it get filled with bird poop, but the favorite defense of the heron is to throw up on you. Imagine smelly, fish, snake & frog barf dropping down from the sky onto your head!!! And if that’s not enough, heron have also been known to use their beaks to pierce the skulls of invaders!!
Also pets and wildlife don’t mix. It’s best not to walk your dogs around the rookery and allowing your dogs off-leash in this area just means you’re a ______. Well, fill in the blank. If you see anyone disturbing the rookery, or with off-leash pets in this area contact the wardens. Call or text 1-800-847-9367.
So, here’s another opportunity to get outside while keeping your distance. Visit the heron rookery at Devil’s Lake State Park. It may not be the quietest spot in the world, but maybe right now a little noise is OK.
Get a map & learn more about the Devil’s Lake Heron Rookery here.
For nearly 2 decades the Skillet Creek blog has focused on 3 main goals; To inspire you to visit and explore the Devil’s Lake region, to help you get the most your visit by sharing tips, events, and other helpful information. Lastly to advocate for our environment & wildlife and talk about how we can keep our natural areas amazing now and into the future! That last goal can sometimes cause controversy, but it’s the only way we can accomplish the first two. – Derrick Mayoleth, Owner.
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