Green Heron: A Rare Encounter

Green Heron's, while common in my area are secretive birds that are seldom seen.

Green herons spend the majority of their time in heavy cover around the edges of lakes and wetlands hunting for fish, invertebrates, frogs, and salamanders.

Normally the first indication of a green heron being in the vicinity is when it flushes from heavy cover uttering it sharp kyowk.  The short flight usually ends when the heron plunges once again into deep cover where it is virtually impossible to get a second look.

However this bird showed considerable tolerance allowing me to approach to with in a few yards with the boat.  After an extended photo session the little heron walked back the log and was swallowed up by the cover surrounding the lake.

Encountering a good friend along the shoreline I handed him a camera to make this shot of me as I normally "hunt" while photographing waterfowl and waterbirds.  The boat serves dual purpose on these outings as the fishing rods are always close at hand.