It’s that time of year folks. The Blue Heron have begun nesting again along one of District B’s gems – the Abbotts Creek Trail. The trail is a spur off of the Neuse River Greenway in North Raleigh.
There is a convenient parking lot at the very end of Bedfordtown Drive. After parking your car, follow the path to the T. Take a right and you are now on the Neuse River Greenway. Follow the greenway a short distance (you will cross one bridge) and you will come upon Abbotts Creek Trail on the right. It is well marked with a trail sign. Follow Abbotts Creek until you reach a long bridge that spans a wide swampy area. The herons will be in the trees to your left. If at first you don’t see them, simply wait. One will soon fly in for a landing. And you can’t help but hear them.
Be sure to bring binoculars for the best view. The photos below were taken with a 250mm zoom lens.