2023.06.12.0471.Z8 Great Blue Heron in Flight
A great blue heron flies upstream to find better fishing grounds during the annual shad run. At this time every year, shad swim up the Roanoke River from Smith Mountain Lake to spawn -- and the area's great blue herons go nuts. As long as there are no anglers or kayakers or inner-tubers stirring up the water and creating a commotions, herons by the dozens come to the river at Roanoke County's Explore Park to feast on shad. ©2023 John M. Hudson
2023.06.12.0471.Z8 Great Blue Heron in Flight
A great blue heron flies upstream to find better fishing grounds during the annual shad run. At this time every year, shad swim up the Roanoke River from Smith Mountain Lake to spawn -- and the area's great blue herons go nuts. As long as there are no anglers or kayakers or inner-tubers stirring up the water and creating a commotions, herons by the dozens come to the river at Roanoke County's Explore Park to feast on shad. ©2023 John M. Hudson