Rattray Marsh Green Heron

[MEGHAN]

Hi All,

Spent a few hours yesterday morning birding Rattray Marsh with Richard, Bob and Paul. We went with the the hope the Green Herons would once again be friendly. They did not disappoint and put on a great show, actively fishing less than 30 feet away.
Thanks gentlemen for a great morning.
The colour on these young birds is stunning!  
Anyone looking to see/photograph a Green Heron should head down there. It seems like the best spot at the moment.
Hope you enjoy.

[mr.sharp-photo]

very nice.
and i will keep my promise and not post any of my photos

[rcflier]

Thanks Meghan, it was a fun time.  Too bad about "gimpy" Heron,  I hope he gets along OK, he does seem to be healthy enough.  The Green Herons were spectacular, and a first for me. I was surprized how actually small they are, they always look larger in photos.

Especially thrilling to watch also was the "buzz attack" by the Coopers hawk, and the narrow miss he had on the Kingfisher - that guy just barely got away with his life!  I hope Paul or Richard might add a pic of the Coopers in flight.

[MEGHAN]

very nice.
and i will keep my promise and not post any of my photos

Oh come on Richard...you know you want to.
Also, I would love to see them.
Mine weren't as sharp as I wanted so I am interested to see if you did any better.

Thanks Bob, I agree it was fun. I as well hope Richard or Paul could post some shots of the Cooper's attack.
We will have to plan another outing soon.

Meghan

[paul_reeves]

Thanks for the invite Meghan, it was nice meeting you, Bob and Richard. Here are two of my Green heron shots for the day.



I have three other Green Heron shots from my visit to Rattray on August and you can see them on my website.
http://www.paulreeves.ca/html/nature/bi ... heron.html

Unfortunately I missed the Cooper's attack. Well, actually I didn't miss it but all of the shots are so badly out of focus you can't recognize anything. However, I did get it soaring overhead just before the attack.


Like the Green Herons, you can view my other Cooper's Hawk shots on my website.
http://www.paulreeves.ca/html/nature/bi ... _hawk.html

I would love to meet up with everyone again especially on your next Owl hunt.

Cheers.

Paul

[paul_reeves]

I contacted Toronto Wildlife Service about the injured Green Heron and I was not the first. Other people have contacted them including photos.

They have determined that the leg has been broken for several weeks and that there is nothing they can do even if they were able to catch it. Apparently, the long term outlook is grim for this little guy; even though he is able to get around and fish now, he won't be able to in the long run. I was told that if he starts to deteriorate and am able to safely capture him myself (use a sheet or blanket, watch the beak, put him in a plastic container), any wildlife or animal service can put him down humanely.

Paul.

[MEGHAN]

First off Paul your photos are great. Too bad you missed the "attack"

I contacted Toronto Wildlife Service about the injured Green Heron and I was not the first. Other people have contacted them including photos.

They have determined that the leg has been broken for several weeks and that there is nothing they can do even if they were able to catch it. Apparently, the long term outlook is grim for this little guy; even though he is able to get around and fish now, he won't be able to in the long run. I was told that if he starts to deteriorate and am able to safely capture him myself (use a sheet or blanket, watch the beak, put him in a plastic container), any wildlife or animal service can put him down humanely.

Paul.

In regards to the above issue, what a shame that is.
Maybe we should try to capture him, or just let nature take its course.
Thoughts?
The next time I go, I will take a box and blanket, but I don't think the bird will be very helpful in this regard.
Way too much room for him to fly to, and no one wants to sink into the marsh while trying to do this.

Meghan

[paul_reeves]

Thanks.

I am of two minds on trying to capturing him. Right now he is in pain and since there is nothing that can be done I would love to see that pain eased. However, Mother Nature knows what she's doing; this bird might feed a hungry Cooper's Hawk (probably something bigger) one day and if we interfere, another healthy bird will have to die in its place.

If you do try to catch him Meghan, a cardboard box won't work according to TWS. That beak is so sharp it will poke its way out. It needs to be a plastic container.

Paul

[mr.sharp-photo]

Thanks.

I am of two minds on trying to capturing him. Right now he is in pain and since there is nothing that can be done I would love to see that pain eased. However, Mother Nature knows what she's doing; this bird might feed a hungry Cooper's Hawk (probably something bigger) one day and if we interfere, another healthy bird will have to die in its place.

If you do try to catch him Meghan, a cardboard box won't work according to TWS. That beak is so sharp it will poke its way out. It needs to be a plastic container.

Paul

he's in pain. grabbing him with a blanket so he can be euthanized will only bring more pain and trauma to him.
sadly, its best that nature takes its course. i hate to see them suffer, but i'd also hate to add to its suffering.

honestly, i wonder why he can't be taken to a zoo or something. he doesn't seem to mind humans.

[MEGHAN]

he's in pain. grabbing him with a blanket so he can be euthanized will only bring more pain and trauma to him.
sadly, its best that nature takes its course. i hate to see them suffer, but i'd also hate to add to its suffering.

honestly, i wonder why he can't be taken to a zoo or something. he doesn't seem to mind humans.

I agree on all counts with you Richard.
I guess we will leave well enough alone.
Hopefully his suffering ends soon.

Meghan

[Reg]

Great shots of the Green Meghan

[MEGHAN]

Thanks Reg, it was fun to sit and photograph him for a while.

Meghan

[jackbreakfast]

Hello folks,
I wonder if you could tell me where the green herons are hanging around. Do they tend to be in the same place each time? I only ask because last time I went to the marsh, I found zero herons! That said, it was a few weeks ago, but still, I'd love some guidance if possible...