Common all along the Buffalo and Little Buffalo River and tributary creeks. Not surprising to continuously push one ahead of you down the river for a mile or so, they will eventually fly over you back to their territory. They sometimes take on a iridescent blue color if the sun hits their feathers just right.
Adult Description
- Small, dark heron.
- Long yellowish legs.
- Long, dark, pointed bill.
- Long neck often kept pulled in tight to body.
- Legs and neck long, but shorter than most herons.
Immature Description
Striped brownish on neck and chest. Back brownish with buffy spots.
Cool Facts
- The Green Heron is one of the few tool-using birds. It commonly drops bait onto the surface of the water and grabs the small fish that are attracted. It uses a variety of baits and lures, including crusts of bread, insects, earthworms, twigs, or feathers.
- The Green Heron is part of a complex of small herons that sometimes are considered one species. When lumped, they are called Green-backed Heron. When split, they are the Green Heron, the widespread Striated Heron, and the Galapagos Heron.
- As is typical for many herons, the Green Heron tends to wander after the breeding season is over. Most wanderers probably seek more favorable foraging areas and do not travel far, but occasionally some travel greater distances, with individuals turning up as far as England and France.
Photos taken in September 2011 near the new Hasty Bridge:
Life and Wildlife along the Little Buffalo River 
Leave a Reply