Green Herons Nest Building

Happened upon this pair building a nest.

What an exciting thing to have happened upon. Great shot.

Great find. I trust you will be watching the nesting pair for the forseeable future. I expect to see regular updates on their progress and progeny!

They seem to be a bit later getting started up your way than the herons and egrets in South Louisiana.

Thank you Stephen. It was a complete surprise. I was just out trying to capture a nice RWBB photo and happened to spot them. They certainly like deep cover.


Thanks Daniel. Yes, I certainly hope to be able to keep track of their progress. I was watching them a short while ago and saw one just grab a branch in its beak and snap it off. Then it took it to its mate to see if it met her (I assume) approval.

I haven't watched Green Heron courtship, but it sounds just like that of Egrets. The male goes to break off branches, brings them to the female, she looks them over and accepts or rejects them. He then goes for another. It is fun to watch. It is also amazing how strong their beaks are to break off such sticks.

Enjoy!

Interesting shot in deep cover. I observed the heron would retreat into a dense area along the riverbank, out of sight, by mid-day..Perhaps a nest there..
I need to go back :)

Daniel, yes, it appears to be the same with the green herons. They must have strong necks along with their beaks. I have not been able to tell if they just pull it until it breaks or if they twist it, or some combination. With this pair I have seen her accept a stick or two and then just drop it to the ground.

Thanks Howard. So far I have found only one angle from which I can get a decent view of the nest.. I just keep hoping they prune some of the branches between me and the nest so I can get a cleaner opportunity.