When I checked on our green herons this past Tuesday morning (8/6) I found one leaning over a branch of its birth tree staring down at the water. Was the bird admiring its reflection or was it feeling the urge to hunt? I suspect it was watching for little minnows and tadpoles in the water below, although I could be wrong.
As I walked the boardwalk to the other side of the tree its sibling was peacefully perched and staring out at the swamp, perhaps wondering where momma or poppa was with some semi-fresh grub.
Later that same day I saw both nest mates staring into the water. I can’t help but to think that they will soon be hunting on their own.
Although the birds still show much down in their plumage it’s quickly being replaced by their first group of “real” feathers.
By the end of the week, on a hot and very humid afternoon, both herons from nest 1 were resting in the shade, but still carefully watching the water.
How are the nestlings in the second nest faring, the nest over by the Wetlands Overlook? Several days behind nest 1 in development the birds are starting to spend more time off the nest exploring the willow tree they were hatched in.
Towards the end of the week I had to really strain to find the birds among the tangle of willow branches.
Things are looking good for our Green Herons.
So exciting, Greg! What cute fluff balls. You capture the wetland dramas so wonderfully.
Thanks, Wendy!
I’m only sorry that I’ll miss this week’s action. The birds change so quickly at this age.
Greg, your photos are incredible! Can you tell me the approximate distance from where you were shooting to the subjects. What mm lens were you using? Thanks!
Judy, I was using a point and shot Panasonic Lumix FZ40 with a lens that stretches out to 32X. Each nest is only about 30-40 yards away. Imagine if I had used a nice DSLR w/600 mm lens, what images could I have gotten then?!
Thanks,