I have read that throughout human history the heron has been an emblem of divinity and good fortune. In addition to representing William Smith athletes, the heron has been a symbol of wisdom, holiness, and peace. Because they don’t interact with humans the way a crow or gull might, if a heron was comfortable enough to land in close proximity to a human, it was deemed a visitation by God.

This year, there is an abundance of them on the north end of Seneca Lake. Unlike geese, ducks, and other waterfowl, herons don’t fly together in pairs or squadrons. Rather, herons are loners, except when nesting. Their rookeries can host up to 500 birds during mating season — but more on that in a moment.

I have been seeing three or four herons flying in proximity to one another. First, one appears loping across the sky, its big........

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