I really like Green Herons (Butorides virescens). Unlike their more stoic Great Blue Heron “cousins”, Green Herons seem to be full of personality. I have not seen one in several months, so I was delighted when I spotted this one on Friday at a small pond at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
The vegetation around the pond had grown so high that I did not see the Green Heron until I was almost on top of him. My first indication that the heron was there was when I accidentally flushed him, but fortunately he flew away only a short distance and I was able to capture this image.
As is often the case, the heron was sporting the Mohawk-style look that always makes me think of punk rock. The lighting was good enough that I was able to capture some of the beautiful feather detail of the heron. Despite its name, though, I don’t really see much green on this green heron—I might have given it a different name if I had been in charge. 🙂
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Nice Mike! Green Herons are fun to watch & photograph!
He’s a handsome guy. I don’t recall ever seeing one around here.
Wonderful photograph of a handsome bird!
You are right about the plumage. When you see the details in good light it’s amazing how many different hues you can find.
Nice capture, Mike, with his sassy hairdo.