So, when I found the nest of this species, it was truly special for me. Green Heron nests are notoriously difficult to find. The nest site is usually in shrub or tree 5-30' above ground, but sometimes on ground; often very close to water but can be quite distant. The nest is a platform of sticks; the male begins construction, then female builds while male brings materials. This particular nest was in a mimosa tree, over a small, local pond in a residential neighborhood.
When I found the nest, it was already complete. One of the pair appeared to be incubating eggs or perhaps brooding chicks. It rose nervously at my approach, so I stopped and froze in place. It settled back down on the nest. I retreated back a few steps and got behind a tree to take a few photos. A second heron came in with a stick and the one on the nest accepted it and placed it. How sweet! I left.
It was another week before I returned.
When I got back, the babies were scrunched down in the nest. Neither parent was visible, so I slowly edged closer with my camera. Young baby birds have generally not yet developed a fear of humans, but I am careful anyway. I stopped suddenly when I heard an adult’s loud, unmistakable call: “SKEOW!” The heron landed almost directly above me and called to the chicks, “cuk, cuk.” The chicks recognized their parent and started begging, “tik, tik, tik, tik.” They stood up and I counted four of them. I raised my camera. The adult landed beside the nest and it was just a mass of feathers and curious sounds as the chicks were fed.
It was over in about 30 seconds. The adult flew and the chicks immediately settled down into the nest. There was such a mass of branches and leaves obscuring the view that I only got a couple of photos of this incredible experience. But I will treasure them.
I am happy to report that all four of these Green Heron chicks successfully fledged the nest and are now on their own. They will be heading South for the winter, as do many migratory birds. Godspeed.
