Green Heron on the Shore
by Kathy Kelly
Title
Green Heron on the Shore
Artist
Kathy Kelly
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
The sun is setting and the air starts to cool. Just when I think it's time to pack up my camera gear, who shows up for a late evening snack but a handsome male Green Heron. It's breeding season and he is sporting his full breeding plumage.
The green heron is relatively small compared to other Heron species with an adult body length is about 17 inches. The neck is often pulled in tight against the body. Adults have a glossy, greenish-black cap, a greenish back and wings that are grey-black grading into green or blue, a chestnut neck with a white line down the front, grey underparts and short yellow legs. The bill is dark with a long, sharp point. Female adults tend to be smaller than males, and have duller and lighter plumage, particularly in the breeding season.
This one was hunting along the shoreline of a nearby lake. Green herons are one of the few species of animal known to use tools. In particular, they commonly use bread crusts, insects, or other items as bait. The bait is dropped onto the surface of a body of water in order to lure fish. When a fish takes the bait, the green heron will then grab and eat the fish.
Stealthy and determined, this handsome male caught 3 small fish within 30 minutes.
Uploaded
May 7th, 2017
Statistics
Viewed 323 Times - Last Visitor from Syosset, NY on 03/27/2024 at 2:36 AM
Embed
Share
Sales Sheet