I was a little shocked yesterday to see a Green Heron (Butorides virescens) while I was searching for dragonflies at a small pond at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. In the past I have seen Green Herons at other locations at the refuge, but never before at this pond. Green Herons are smaller and squatter than the Great Blue Herons that I am more accustomed to seeing.
When I initially spooked the Green Heron, it flew to a mucky, shallow end of the pond, where I was able to capture the first two images. I am always amazed at the length of the neck of a Green Heron when it extends it fully—it looks so much taller and slimmer in the second shot. I also really like the floppy head feathers that sometime look like a Mohawk hairstyle.
The Green Heron eventually sensed my presence and flew to a nearby tree. The heron was partially hidden by the abundant foliage, but eventually I was able to capture the final image of it among the leaves.
It was hot and humid yesterday, so I limited my trekking to a couple of hours and drank plenty of water. Still, it was nice to get out in the wild with my camera after a week of spending most of my time indoors.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
How wonderful it is to come upon green herons. They usually blend in and are so quiet and tucked in. I agree, Mike, their necks can be short and then long. These are super photos.
Thanks so much, Jet, for your kind words. It was indeed a bit of a surprise to stumble upon this green heron in the open. Normally when I see one it is intently trying to catch a fish or even a frog. (Check out this posting from way back in 2012 when I captured some interesting shots of a green heron’s encounter with a frog.) https://michaelqpowell.com/2012/07/24/not-seeing-eye-to-eye/
Beautiful.
Spectacular.
Thanks, Michael.
You’ re welcome.
Had one visit me one time along my river where the GBH rule gorgeous birds.