Must be something important in this heron nest. These guys didn't want to leave it.
Our group of 3 is doing some field work today. The objective it to assess 2 miles of the north side of Deep River as a possible land trail along the river. Putting in at Central Falls, we almost immediately saw this that this was not a good option. Landowners had fields and trimmed lawns to the river. After that, the north side became a virtual wetland. Tributaries backed up into marshes and small ponds. Finally the terrain rose up high. Then the long arm of a tributary appeared right before Cox Dam. In the arm or alcove, I counted 9 nests high in trees. Most were leaves and likely squirrel homes, but a few were sticks, likely created by birds. I saw 3 Great blue herons hanging out on and near one. They did not move off as I approached.
Cox Dam powerhouse is still actively producing power. The dam is quite high, made of rock covered with concrete. An extension, built with boards covered with metal and supported by metal braces, raises the dam level by about 3 feet. This structure looks precarious and is damaged in several spots, probably by logs traveling downriver. Should this structure be removed, there would be a big change in water level for at least a couple miles of river.
It looks like an infinity pool. Note the metal rim.
This photo gives you a good perspective on the dam and the extension. On the far side, the extension has been breached slightly. That is the main channel of the river and where logs will impact the dam.
Note the log trying to get over the dam
There is a rock and steep trail on this side, used as a portage
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