Encountering Young Green Herons

For the past few years, I’ve spotted juvenile Green Herons at Derwood’s Landing, a small marina along Gallant’s Channel, not far from my house. In September and October, they seem to stop here before they start their annual migration southward. They tend to perch on an anchorage rope or a dock, patiently waiting for a fish to approach before plunging into the water to grasp or spear it with their dagger-like bill.

What are the tell-tale signs that these birds are immature? Note the streaky breast and the spotted wings. Here are more views of these young Green Herons perched beside the boardwalk.

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To see more herons…

• Birding at the Toyota Dealership >>
• Long-legged waders in all their glory >>
• Coastal Sunbathers >>