How to see the herons - City of Richmond

How to see the herons

Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 - 12:09 AM

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SLIDESHOW: Get a bird's-eye view of the heron rookery

Wild in the city
Great blue herons are courting and building nests in a colony, or rookery, in the James River near Shockoe Slip. The birds apparently started nesting there last year.
Area map

JAMES RIVER
Learn more about Richmond's Pipeline Rapids walkway and the surrounding area.
Take photo tours of the Richmond Flood Wall.

How to see the herons

Drive east on East Byrd Street in the Shockoe Slip area.

At 12th Street, go right and work your way back to a small (five-car) parking lot.

If the lot is full, park anywhere in Shockoe Slip and walk south on 12th Street to the lot.

From the lot, walk east, downriver, on a dirt path by the floodwall for about 130 yards.

The path will lead to a gate on the right. Go through the gate onto a metal walkway over a pipeline. You must descend a five-rung ladder.

Walk upriver. You will see the heron nests on your left.

If you don't want to take the metal walkway, continue on the dirt path to a spot just before a railroad bridge. Look upriver for the nests.

You can also walk in from 14th Street. With the floodwall to your right, look for the gate on your left.

Bring binoculars if you have them.

Take your time. The longer you watch, the more you will see.

Anytime during the day is good for viewing, but morning is best. The birds are usually more active then.