Good Morning, Friend!

  Herons are funny things.  When the name is mentioned, our brain usually conjures up images of large, stately birds such as the Great Blue Heron or graceful, leggy birds such as the Snowy Egret.  Both are herons.  Both are beautiful.  But, there are other herons that do not even remotely resemble either of these birds.  They are short-legged, stocky and rather stubby looking birds.  The Night Heron and the Green Heron both fall in this category.

  Early this morning as I was walking down the pier, a Green Heron decided to pay a visit.  The bird softly lit upon the end post of the pier.  In the subdued morning light, all I could see was the russet colored breast with its splash of white feathers.  The iridescent green back appeared black but I instantly recognized this friend and welcomed it to stay a while.

  In all truthfulness, I admit that these small birds are some of my favorites of the heron family.  They have no problem working for their breakfast unlike those big lugs that beg for handouts.  The Green Heron has learned to use tools to fish.  It will use a piece of marsh grass, a morsel of crab or even a bit of a feather to lure fish closer to it as it sits motionless in wait.  The bird also can effectively dive after its target if need be. 

  The Green Heron only stayed a few moments once it spied Mr. PJ, the old dog lumbering down the pier,  We said our goodbyes and he flew off to sit on a small log near the marsh.  There, the bird busied himself by catching little mullet for breakfast.  Smart bird!