I heard a familiar chattering and spotted this Green Heron precariously balanced on a limb overhanging the dike.
He soon moved to a more secure location.
There were at least two other Green Herons in the vicinity and I’m not sure if they were trying to stay together or get some personal space.
Before long all three took off for the other end of the pond.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
September 5, 2021
Usually more secretive in their perching spots, this Green Heron surprised me right out in the open.
Boynton Trail
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
August 8, 2021
I haven’t seen many Green Herons this summer so photographed this one even though it was through some reeds.
He stayed in the underwing check position for at least 30 seconds, not even moving.
While I repositioned for a better view he assumed a more heron-like posture.
Then gave a call.
He didn’t get an answer.
In contrast to Green Heron, Over My Head, Two Views sometimes I see birds below my level, from a boardwalk or dike. While not the head-on image we might prefer, this Green Heron was close enough for details of his gorgeous feathers.
He took some time to preen and inspect…
… scratched in itch…
… before flying to a nearby clump in the swamp.
First, a silhouette view, against a mostly cloudy sky.
I was able to get on the other side of the bird, which did not move, and got a mottled leaf background. If I hadn’t seen him from the other angle I might have missed him.
You can’t help but be impressed by a Green Heron’s patience and flexibility.
Staring intently into the water, seconds ticking by in this postion.
Wham!
The exciting part is over in a flash, with just the water ripples as evidence.
And once again he had success!
Sometimes the light just isn’t with you.
But you like the subject. A Green Heron on a gnarly branch worked for me.
I took the color out of the first two, but left the duckweed green in this last one.
I’ve often spotted a Green Heron in this patch of reeds; a walking path winds along the edge of a pond providing an interesting, if dark, view of their hunting behavior.
These herons don’t have any problem snagging a snack from this duckweed covered water.
I’m pretty sure I don’t want to know what’s lurking around below the surface.
Here’s a wider view of this Green Heron’s hunting territory. Beyond these reeds the water opens up into a pond.
A Green Heron flew up out of the reeds ahead of me along the dike.
The marsh grasses are full and bright in the middle of August. Bird activity is minimal, breeding is mostly done for the year, juveniles are fending for themselves, and the summer heat is keeping the wildlife tucked in.
