Green heron

[drueter]

Had a couple of Green Herons visit the pond today! One got clsoe enough for some nice shots ---

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This guy moved further around the pond, but then I saw him run away from the other GH with something in his mouth and snapped this quick shot -- lots of noise and in the shadows, but it does show that he caught a nice dinner! As I moved closer for a better shot, he tilted his head back and swallowed the fish in one gulp!

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[Gale]

OMG what big fish.. Holey cow, how i the heck do they swllow those..

Great greeny shots..

Thanks for sharing.

 

[eng45ine]

Great images, Don. How in the heck is that bird supposed to swallow that fish? :shock: Those dorsal spines are going to do some tracheal damage!!! :x

 

[drueter]

Gale, Frank -- thanks for the comments. I didn't realize how big that fish was until I was processing the photo. All he did was tilt his head back and down in went like it was a tiny morsel! I'm truly amazed by what the herons can get down their throats!

 

[Commodorefirst]

Great shots, I find it more interesting in how they can lift off with a huge fish in their belly!

Wade

 

[Kevin Scott]

Cool shots of the Green, Don! They are very interesting birds to watch. Too bad they like to hide though...not as commonly seen as the other herons and egrets.

 

[mike mac]

Very nice shots love the little greenies one of my favorites, can you imagine the percentage of its own wieght that fish is.

 

[Flew]

Excellent captures Don. These guys are usually very skittish except when they are hunting / feeding. They basically seem to ignore you if you don't get too close and don't make any sudden moves.

Good job.