(You got me thinking about a British bird with similarities in appearance, habitat and secretive habit, although of a completely different genus, Rallus aquaticus, Water Rail. They apparently are not declining in UK and are said to breed in our county, Northumberland, but we have never seen or heard them. In old age I rely on daughter's ears and phone app for sound recognition and her eyesight for spotting. Yesterday we saw a pair of Grey Heron, and numerous Swallows and House Marten feeding along the river, the Sand Marten and Swifts having departed already. Rivers seem increasingly a vital resource.
Just stopped by to quickly mention that while there are very few photographers who can capture such intricate detail and beauty, there is only one that can turn a photograph into a museum piece, work of art.
We have purple herons here in Portugal. They’re not especially rare, according to the birding books. I’ve only seen them twice. The first time was when I was a passenger in a car driven on a road above the Mondego River north of Coimbra. I glanced down at the shallow, almost slack water pool near one bank and saw a flash of silver-purple. The bird stood, its gleaming back to me, totally motionless. I swiveled in my seat, craning my neck for one last glimpse, just in the fraction of a second when the sabre beak struck, piercing the water, then emerging with a hapless frog, its back legs impotently swimming against air. That was all. Just seconds. But the colour! My painter’s heart beat a bit faster, and I locked the moment away in my safe place.
A perfect capture of the Green Heron! Your photo looks like a painting. Green herons are a rarity here too. The Great Blues are abundant and I love watching them. Seeing a Green Heron is like hitting the jackpot. Thank you for your post.
Beautiful bird, I don’t think I’ve ever encountered one before. Thank you for sharing! It’s always extra special when you encounter some of the rare species. ✨💙
Wow, I do not know if we have those in Florida as I do not recall ever seeing one of them.I am sure based on the vibrant color I would remember seeing one here on the west coast of florida. Thank you for sharing such a great picture of one. I swear that looks like an artists painting with the depth dn brillanceof the colors you captured in your photo.
In spiritual teachings the green heron symbolizes stillness and the importance of observing one’s surroundings before taking action. I think you embody those traits yourself.
Happy birdy day... wishing you many more to come!
(You got me thinking about a British bird with similarities in appearance, habitat and secretive habit, although of a completely different genus, Rallus aquaticus, Water Rail. They apparently are not declining in UK and are said to breed in our county, Northumberland, but we have never seen or heard them. In old age I rely on daughter's ears and phone app for sound recognition and her eyesight for spotting. Yesterday we saw a pair of Grey Heron, and numerous Swallows and House Marten feeding along the river, the Sand Marten and Swifts having departed already. Rivers seem increasingly a vital resource.
Doesn't match your wonderful picture, but here is a water Rail, https://www.nwt.org.uk/wildlife-explorer/birds/wading-birds/water-rail )
Phillip, this is such a treat. Thank you for bringing such a feast of observations to the picnic.
Beautiful photo of a world seldom seen. You collect birds places; I collect watery ones. This captures both in movement. Thank you!
"You collect birds places; I collect watery ones."
This! I love this sentence! Thank you so much, carolyn.
I agree. Green herons are mystery birds. Your photo captures the magic beautifully.
Thank you Steffany.
Just stopped by to quickly mention that while there are very few photographers who can capture such intricate detail and beauty, there is only one that can turn a photograph into a museum piece, work of art.
Pretty sure I don't deserve such kindness, but I'll take it. Gladly.
Thank you, dear Lor.
You won the lottery with the stunning portrait!
Thank you , Terry.
I see them alongside the roads here in Texas, anywhere standing water may have made a semi-permanent home. wonderful birds, great photo!
Thank you, Sandra.
We have purple herons here in Portugal. They’re not especially rare, according to the birding books. I’ve only seen them twice. The first time was when I was a passenger in a car driven on a road above the Mondego River north of Coimbra. I glanced down at the shallow, almost slack water pool near one bank and saw a flash of silver-purple. The bird stood, its gleaming back to me, totally motionless. I swiveled in my seat, craning my neck for one last glimpse, just in the fraction of a second when the sabre beak struck, piercing the water, then emerging with a hapless frog, its back legs impotently swimming against air. That was all. Just seconds. But the colour! My painter’s heart beat a bit faster, and I locked the moment away in my safe place.
this is wonderful!
David, look for images of purple herons online 💜
A perfect capture of the Green Heron! Your photo looks like a painting. Green herons are a rarity here too. The Great Blues are abundant and I love watching them. Seeing a Green Heron is like hitting the jackpot. Thank you for your post.
Thanks for making time to offer such encouragement, Kate. I'm pleased that the feel of the image comes across. Jackpot.
Beautiful bird, I don’t think I’ve ever encountered one before. Thank you for sharing! It’s always extra special when you encounter some of the rare species. ✨💙
Thanks Vic.
Wow, I do not know if we have those in Florida as I do not recall ever seeing one of them.I am sure based on the vibrant color I would remember seeing one here on the west coast of florida. Thank you for sharing such a great picture of one. I swear that looks like an artists painting with the depth dn brillanceof the colors you captured in your photo.
I'm ever grateful for your willingness to make time, to weigh in, Teri.
Thank you for the kind words.
In spiritual teachings the green heron symbolizes stillness and the importance of observing one’s surroundings before taking action. I think you embody those traits yourself.
Wise not to have bought the lottery ticket! 😁
As always, a treasure to receive your posts. 🫶🏼
Love the story behind the green heron
You're funny. And kind.
I'd never heard about what the green heron symbolizes and am touched by your kind words.
I'm so pleased that you're here...
Merci🫶🏼.
“A very birdy morning”…I love that you have those with many birds but especially the Herons. And particularly the green ones💚
What a lovely note, Katherine.
Gracias.
I love the almost painting-like quality of the photo!
It really has that effect
Good morning, Raw, and thank you.
Some days a fella just gets lucky, I guess.
I'm so pleased that this painterly image speaks to you.
A bit extra magical indeed 💛
Thanks, pal.
You buy lottery tickets every day with your presence. (And win.)
Your doses of kindness are a healing delight, Kimberly.
Namasté
I’m still in awe of your Portraits!
This one feels like gold.
Such a generous note.
Thank you.