Green Heron

This young Green Heron had a serious itch.  He couldn't quit scratching it while balancing somewhat precariously on the spatterdock roots.  The water at Venetian Springs was a little green this morning, add that to the green reflections and you end up with, well, a lot of green.  Photo was taken at The Venetian Gardens in Leesburg, FL this morning.

Green Heron

The Green Heron, aka Greenbacked Heron, is a ferocious hunter.  In my observations I rarely see them wade in the water but usually sit just above the water and stare intently for prey.  They have the most intense yellow eyes and are very wary of people.  I took this shot at a boat ramp on Lake Harris in Leesburg.  The greenie stayed very calm because he was on the opposite side of a canal and I apparently couldn't get within his safety zone.  I see these rarely compared to the other species of herons and egrets but it's always a pleasure when I do.