Green Heron chicks around the nest
Jul 9, 2019 07:28:04 #
I was walking a local nature trail here in KY, and was lucky to find a Green Heron nest, complete with four active chicks, and have been able to go back a couple of times since.
Perfect habitat for the nest: in a locust tree that had uprooted and fallen over into a pond, but was still alive and green. The nest was on a level with me on the bank, and sitting there with an opened black umbrella propped in front as a partial blind, I could watch the comings and goings and they soon didn't even take notice of me.
GreenHeronAndChick05Jul2019_328web by Marshall Smith, on Flickr
The nest is almost impossible to see unless the chicks are getting fed, and then the action is fast and furious. Never would have found it if the adults hadn't flown the first time I walked by.
GreenHeronChick07Jul2019_274web by Marshall Smith, on Flickr
The first time I was there the chicks were still mostly in the nest, but the last time, only a couple of days later, they were much more confident and were exploring a short way from the nest, practicing climbing and flapping their stubby wings.
Feeding time is crazy, and appears actually dangerous for the adult. Looks like one could easily lose an eye in the process.
GreenHeronAndChick07Jul2019_366web by Marshall Smith, on Flickr
GreenHerons07Jul2019_202web by Marshall Smith, on Flickr
It is total bedlam and an adult doesn't stay long to feed them before it flies off.
GreenHeronPair07Jul2019_003web by Marshall Smith, on Flickr
I'm still working up files and the complete set will be at this Flickr album:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/78687170@N00/albums/72157709522443962/with/48235827706/
Marshall
Perfect habitat for the nest: in a locust tree that had uprooted and fallen over into a pond, but was still alive and green. The nest was on a level with me on the bank, and sitting there with an opened black umbrella propped in front as a partial blind, I could watch the comings and goings and they soon didn't even take notice of me.
GreenHeronAndChick05Jul2019_328web by Marshall Smith, on FlickrThe nest is almost impossible to see unless the chicks are getting fed, and then the action is fast and furious. Never would have found it if the adults hadn't flown the first time I walked by.
GreenHeronChick07Jul2019_274web by Marshall Smith, on FlickrThe first time I was there the chicks were still mostly in the nest, but the last time, only a couple of days later, they were much more confident and were exploring a short way from the nest, practicing climbing and flapping their stubby wings.
Feeding time is crazy, and appears actually dangerous for the adult. Looks like one could easily lose an eye in the process.
GreenHeronAndChick07Jul2019_366web by Marshall Smith, on FlickrGreenHerons07Jul2019_202web by Marshall Smith, on FlickrIt is total bedlam and an adult doesn't stay long to feed them before it flies off.
GreenHeronPair07Jul2019_003web by Marshall Smith, on FlickrI'm still working up files and the complete set will be at this Flickr album:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/78687170@N00/albums/72157709522443962/with/48235827706/
Marshall
Jul 9, 2019 07:31:14 #
Jul 9, 2019 07:33:44 #
Jul 9, 2019 07:49:30 #
Jul 9, 2019 07:57:40 #
Jul 9, 2019 08:05:47 #
Jul 9, 2019 11:58:58 #
A GREAT opportunity ! Baby Greenies are quite elusive !........thanks for sharing
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Jul 9, 2019 12:29:33 #
Jul 9, 2019 13:17:40 #
Jul 9, 2019 17:56:42 #
Jul 10, 2019 05:26:26 #
bluezzzzz wrote:
I was walking a local nature trail here in KY, and... (show quote)
Nice set Marshall.
Jul 10, 2019 05:45:40 #
Jul 10, 2019 05:47:59 #
I appreciate the fact that you were able to observe and not irritate. Thanks for posting and keep up the good work!
Jul 10, 2019 08:19:13 #
The second Image is a WINNER for me.... Hilarious...great catch.
Jul 10, 2019 08:21:14 #
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