Going “green” is all the rage these days. Businesses, politicians, public figures and more are promoting their commitment to ecological sustainability and environmental quality.
It is curious that in times past the color green had other connotations, not always positive. The green-eyed monster of envy and having a green complexion because of digestive distress are classic examples.
In nature there is plenty of green this time of year, especially the chlorophyll based pigment. Plants and trees have a nearly endless array of this tone in leaves and stems in the wild and within curated landscapes.
In the avian population at panhandle Florida’s north latitude, green is not as common. The exception is the green heron, a native bird which populates many watery locations.
Butorides virescens, as this species is scientifically known, is the most common of the herons in panhandle Florida. Not as uniquely colorful or stately as some of its close relatives, its size and shape sometimes get it confused with completely different species.
A green heron takes a break from fishing and rests on an old dock piling. Soon it will be back searching for its next meal.
Much like some of its better-known feathery cousins, the green heron is frequently seen in or near water hunting for food. The muddy margins of freshwater ponds or coastal sand flats at low tide are likely to find a green heron discretely hunting.
Its patient and deliberate pursuit of a meal may find it standing motionless while watching for prey to enter striking distance. Sometimes these stealthy hunters will walk slowly in a cat-like fashion, placing their feet with great care.
Another technique is to rake the bottom of shallow water with their long toes and wait to see if anything tasty appears. No matter which technique is used, when the target species shows, the green heron grips its target in a green flash.
Misses are rare for this stalker. Whether fish, insects, crustaceans or anything else of the appropriate size, the keen coordination of sight and reflexes assures a steady supply of food.
Green herons hunt during the daylight hours. Commonly they pursue their prey in the early or late hours when the light is favorable at camouflaging their identity.
A small fish will keep this native hunter going until its next success.
Sometimes confused with crows because of its size and dark coloration, the green heron can have a slouched appearance when its neck is retracted. Unless seen in bright sunlight, its dark green feathers can appear black or blue.
When standing with its legs exposed, the distinctive bright yellow or orange appendages help identify this species. Its eyes are yellow to deep orange too.
When at rest it is frequently seen on stumps, branches or dock pilings near its hunting territory. At night it roosts close to the ground.
Nesting season is currently underway and will continue until June. Incubation lasts between three and four weeks for the usually three or four pale blue eggs in the nest. Both parents will sit on the eggs when needed.
Green herons, while usually living a solitary existence, will commonly nest in large colonies. Sometimes other avian species are found in the immediate area.
After hatching, the new green herons will fledge in about three to four weeks. Even after leaving the nest the parents will continue to feed their progeny.
These nutritional tidbits may include the little green frogs now hopping about. Ecological concerns aside, there is not professional courtesy between the greens in the wild.
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