Green-backed Heron

Butorides striatus Eco Pond

Field marks: The Green Heron that was observed had dark green wings and the feathers were shingle-like in appearance. The head of the bird was black in color and its neck was a chestnut brown. The feet and legs were yellow in color.

Size: It was difficult to get exact quantitative measurements, so the following are rough estimates.
- Body length- 10 inches
- Height- 7 inches
- Beak length- 2.5 inches

General habitat: The Green Heron is normally found in marshy areas, wetlands, or close to rivers and ponds.

Field Observations: The Green Heron was first spotted on the edge of Eco Pond fishing with its spear-like beak. This great bird would perch up on some of the surrounding dead cattail and look in the water for its next victim. When one was in sight, the Green Heron would extend its neck out to spear the fish into its mouth. From what we observed, the heron took six strikes at fish in the water in a matter of 2-3 minutes. From what we observed it did not have any success for it was quickly scared to a new location because of a close by alligator on the hunt. Once in its new location, the Green Heron was a patient and observant bird that kept itself inactive but also a close eye on the approaching predator. Once the Alligator was surely out of harms way, the heron returned to its fishing spot cautiously. From these observations, it can be inferred that the Green Heron is a smart bird that waits and observes its surroundings instead of bringing attention to itself. The Green Heron is a beautiful product of creation and worthy of much more study and observation.