2023.06.12.0598.Z8 Great Blue Herons at Shad Run
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. On this particular rainy morning, I was the only human in sight at 8:30 a.m., and I counted 24 herons. I'm sure there were many others up and down the river. ©2023 John M. Hudson
2023.06.12.0598.Z8 Great Blue Herons at Shad Run
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. On this particular rainy morning, I was the only human in sight at 8:30 a.m., and I counted 24 herons. I'm sure there were many others up and down the river. ©2023 John M. Hudson