Monday, January 26, 2009

Sandhill cranes, herons…and the Herron Group







“This is birding season, when some birds flock to West Florida for the winter and many more will pass through, in coming months, on their way to their summer haunts,” wrote Cathy Zollo of the Sarasota Herald Tribune in a recent article. “Along with them come the bird lovers, who must eat and stay in hotels and spend money with the region's local businesses. Florida is second only to California in the revenue it collects from the bird-loving public.”

I wonder how many bird lovers came to vacation in Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Casey Key, and the rest of the greater Sarasota area—and ended up buying homes here?

I’d like to take a roll call of all of the homeowners who have arrived in the last ten years. I can imagine filling an auditorium with them and having them raise their hands or shout “here!” when they hear their category. (I wonder if we can borrow the Van Wezel?) Anyway, It might sound something like this:

“Ahem…attention please. We will now take roll. Please respond with a loud “here!” when you hear your category.”

1. Golfers. Here! Here! Here! (You get the idea.)
2. Beach lovers. Here!
3. Tired-of-shoveling-snow-ers. Here! (Note: this is an imaginary roll call so we can use imaginary words.)
4. Suntanners. Here!
5. World travelers who have been everywhere and realize there’s no place like Siesta Key and Sarasota. Here!
6. Birders. Here! Here!

By the way, according to the article, you bird watchers really are called “birders.” Enjoy your Sarasota bird season!

Speaking of birds, I overheard in my gym this morning that when humans feed sandhill cranes, the birds become overly aggressive. The storyteller said that one gentlemen—on the golf course—was severely bitten on his backside by a hungry (but disappointed) bird! The birds were hovering about and the man waved them away, but when he turned his back and bent over toward his golf ball…ouch! It’s never a good idea to feed the wildlife.

While we’re on the subject, I looked up characteristics of the heron—since we are The Herron Group, after all. I was pleased at some of our similarities. Here goes:

1. Water, water, everywhere.

The heron: “The white form of the Great Blue Heron, known as the "great white heron," is found nearly exclusively in shallow marine waters along the coast of southern Florida, the Yucatan Peninsula, and in the Caribbean.”*

The Herron Group: We specialize in distinctive waterfront properties in Sarasota, Florida and adjacent barrier island communities including Sarasota, Casey Key, Siesta Key, Manasota Key, Nokomis, Osprey, Venice, Englewood, Bradenton, Longboat Key, Lido Key & St. Armands, and Bird Key.

2. Adaptable to its environment.

The heron: “Although the Great Blue Heron eats primarily fish, it is adaptable and willing to eat other animals as well.”*

The Herron Group: With over 20 years experience in Sarasota and Siesta Key area real estate, we’ve adapted to shifting winds and subtle or drastic changes in the real estate markets. We can help you navigate the waters of today’s unusual circumstances.

3. Specializes in nest-building.

The heron: “Nests in colonies, sometimes as lone pair. Nest a large platform of sticks, lined with pine needles, moss, reeds, dry grass, or twigs. Placed high in trees, occasionally on ground.”*

The Herron Group: Buying a home is a lot like building a nest. The right tree—or neighborhood—makes all the difference in the world. Choosing the right Realtor® is the first step, and Nick Herron and Kathleen Herron with The Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance Group are poised to help you find just the right home on Florida’s west coast and Sarasota’s barrier islands of Siesta Key, Casey Key, Lido Key, and Longboat Key.


*Source: The Cornell Lab of Ornithology