From a distance, the Green Heron is a dark, stocky bird hunched on slender yellow legs often hidden behind a tangle of leaves. Seen up close as in this beautiful photo it is a striking bird with a velvet-green back and rich chestnut body.  These small herons crouch patiently by water’s edge to surprise fish with a snatch of their dagger-like bill.

Taken near Clarksburg, this photograph perfectly captures the Green Heron in its natural environment.

                                                                                         Photo Credit: Pauleen Home