[birding] Green Heron display

[lisaaves at peak.org]

I saw a fancy Green Heron display on my way to work this morning.  I was
riding along Marys River, and I heard the "kyow" squawk of a Green Heron,
close to the bike path.  I spotted the heron perched on a branch over the
river with his bill pointed upwards, making a different, peculiar call,
and flapping his wings, with fluffed-up plumage and his head feathers
raised dramatically.  He seemed to be so absorbed in putting on a show
that he didn't seem to notice me.  I wished I'd had more time to watch and
had my camera with me.  Although I didn't notice another heron to whom the
display may have been directed, I was pretty sure this was a courtship
ritual.

Lisa
www.neighborhood-naturalist.com