Green Heron

The water treatment ponds at Las Gallinas (San Rafeal) host a rich variety of birds. On a recent trip there a Green Heron provided some close looks as he foraged intently along the rocky shoreline of pond #3.

Too close for a full frame shot.

Green Heron, Butorides virescens, is seen regularly at these ponds, often located by following a flying bird to note where it lands. Once they land they don't move very much, as they watch intently for prey, usually staring at the water. Their neck is kept flexed, ready to extend in a sudden strike. Distance here was about 20', too close for a full frame photo of this 18" bird.

Note the black cap, rich chestnut on the side of the head and neck, and the precise white edging of feathers of the wing (coverts). Their posture is a bit like that of a Night-crowned Heron, The Green Heron will not be mistaken for any other species. 

The the Green Heron extends his neck to get a better view of potential prey

The Green Heron is part of a complex once called the Green-backed Heron, then conidered a single species, but since split into 2-3 species, including the dark endemic Galapagos (Lava) Heron, B sundevalli, and the widely distributed Striated (Mangrove) Heron, B. striata.

While I watched the Green Heron succeeded several time in catching minnows, and once was able to get two fish with a single strike!

The last shot is my favorite, as he turned to look about to see if anyone had admired his prowess, giving me a good look at the eye and lore area.