The Visitors

Young herons have striated breasts.

 This is a thrill:  two green herons nested in our front yard live oaks this year; as best we can tell the broods consisted of three chicks from each nest.  Green herons are naturally reclusive--particularly when nesting--and it has been difficult to glimpse them.  This week, however, the young herons have been coming into the back yard to visit the birdbaths and hunt insects in the pool.  They are very skittish--often flying if they see movement through the windows or doors.  Even so, it's a thrill.

Suspicious heron has seen me watching through the window.

Insects are probably easier to catch than fish.

This is a typical pose--relaxed and restful herons at the birdbath, gazing at the pool.

All of these photos were taken through the windows or doors.  The instant I try to open a door, the herons fly into the trees.  The first year, when three nests produced seven young, the herons were much less concerned and often came within inches of us while we swam.  Delightful!