Neatly Folded Against the Wind

  When you think of herons, an image of a tall stately bird with long legs and a long neck comes to mind.  It is hard to imagine seeing one that does not fit that description.  It does happen, however, with the night herons and green heron.  Their somewhat squatty appearance does not seem to go with the norm.  It is hard to convince folks that these are, indeed, herons.  Then, there are times when our tall friends just seem to be squatty like their cousins!

  Since I still cannot get to the end of the pier due to hurricane damage, it is sometimes hard for me to identify certain birds.  Normally, I look for several traits and not depend on just one.  A visitor to the pier posts confused me a bit as it had that telltale squatty appearance.  I was convinced that the green heron had survived the storm and was resting between meals.  A quick photo session took place then I was on my way to find a better subject or, at least, one that was closer.    

  Once those photos were enlarged, I realized that I had made a mistake.  My squatty friend was just trying to conserve body heat during the chilly night and morning.  It was hunkered down against the chilly north wind with its neck tucked tightly against its body.  The bird was the sweet tri-colored heron that I dubbed as "Elvis" several years back.  The bird has hung around the Bayou all this time without leaving.  I should have recognized my friend!  

  It amazes me how the critters of the Bayou have all adapted their own methods of fighting the elements.  By tucking its long neck down next to the downy feathers of its chest, Elvis was able to block out a good bit of the wind.  Sometimes, the birds will do a similar thing with their legs.  Feathers all fluffed, legs neatly tucked, neck folded to the chest...the bird has this warming thing down to a science!  Hey, Elvis!  Stay warm, my friend!