Ohio Day Trip: Beaver Marsh and Heron Rookery
Bob and I went on a day trip to Ohio this past Saturday (April 6). We saw three waterfalls, a covered bridge and a few birds. In my previous blog posts I shared photographs of Brandywine Falls and the Everett Road Covered Bridge, both of which are located in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. We made two other stops, while in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. We went for a walk at Beaver Marsh and visited the heron rookery along Bath Road.
The park’s description for the Beaver Marsh says to “look for beavers, otters, muskrats, and waterfowl along the wetland boardwalk”. We didn’t see any beavers, otters or muskrats. We did, however, see a Cardinal, a Red-Winged Blackbird, several Tree Swallows, ducks and a goose.
Red-Winged Blackbird
Red-Wing Blackbird, in flight
Tree Swallow
Tree Swallow
Tree Swallow
When I see a goose, I usually see a pair of geese. This goose was by itself.
We met a very nice girl, by the name of Cheryl, at Beaver Marsh. We arrived at Beaver Marsh at about the same time, walking to the boardwalk together. I asked Cheryl if she was familiar with the park and learned that she is a regular visitor to Cuyahoga Valley National Park. I then asked directions to the heron rookery .. take a left out of the parking lot, go to the light and make a left onto Bath Road. You can’t miss it. By the way, if Cheryl hadn’t called my attention to the Red-Winged Blackbird shown in the first photograph that I shared, I would have missed seeing it. Before we parted ways, I asked Cheryl if she had a card. She did (I should carry my card with me more often!). When you have a chance, check out Cheryl’s nature photographs, itscherylsnature, on Smugmug.
From the Beaver Marsh we drove to the heron rookery on Bath Road, per Cheryl’s instructions. She’s right. We couldn’t miss it. Cars were lined up along the side of the street.
Great Blue Heron Rookery
his is one of several trees in which the great blue herons built nests.
We arrived at the heron rookery around 12:30 PM. The afternoon sun was harsh. I would like to return to Cuyahoga Valley National Park next Spring and visit the heron rookery during the early morning hours. I am positive that I would be much happier with the results of my photography during those hours than in the afternoon!
The Beauty Around Us 
3 Responses to “Ohio Day Trip: Beaver Marsh and Heron Rookery”
Linda: What a fun post, certainly a place I love to visit. We have been in Turkey so I’m glad to see your captures.
I would love to visit this place…really enjoyed all the photos.
Looks like Dr Seuss had inspiration from that tree, or ones like it!