KENSINGTON’S HERON FEST BRINGS SPRING INTO FOCUS

See majestic great blue herons on their nests at “Heron Fest,” to be held on Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Nature Center of Kensington Metropark near Milford/Brighton.

Visitors can observe the great blue herons at the rookery through spotting scopes on the 800-foot boardwalk on Wildwing Lake. The birds are typically taking care of their young, and may be seen flying to and from their nests. Then, stop by the Nature Center to giggle at Rosco the Clown’s antics, make crafts to take home or buy native trees and shrubs at the plant sale. Area artists will also display their art, live insects will be on display, and the “Friends of the Detroit River” will be holding a book sale. Most events are free except for crafts.

Great blue herons have been nesting on an island at Wildwing Lake since 1992. The island on which they nest on Wildwing Lake is an ideal, safe environment for the birds, according to Bob Hotaling, Kensington Metropark Nature Center supervising interpreter. Great blue herons are about four feet tall, large enough to be seen by children and adults on the boardwalk without binoculars or a spotting scope.