35 Comments
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Juliet Wilson's avatar

Lovely photos of a very handsome heron, but green wouldn't be the colour I would have chosen to name the bird with!

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks, Juliet and I fully agree on the misnaming of this bird. I cannot find any green on the bird at all!

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Jenn's avatar

I was going to ask if you knew why it's called that. Maybe someone with blue-green colorblindness like my dad named it.

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Neil Barker's avatar

I'm not sure about the naming origin of this heron, Jenn. It could be though.

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Timber Fox's avatar

Lovely photos, such luck. I love that they are called Green when they are nearly every other color...

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks and I agree that their name doesn't reflect their appearance at all.

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Perry J. Greenbaum 🇨🇦 🦜's avatar

It seems that you made friends with a Green Herson. How fortunate you are, Neil.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thank you, Perry. I have been very fortunate seeing this Green Heron and they are most patient allowing me to take these images.

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Peter J. Ryan Sabom Nim's avatar

those rectangular, white outlined feathers on her flank!

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Neil Barker's avatar

I like the way the white lines look like trim on those feathers as well. They form a nice geometric pattern.

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Nathaniel Bowler's avatar

Preening like a champion. That had to be some itch in that last video!

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Neil Barker's avatar

Agreed, Nathaniel. That was quite the itch that needed scratching!

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KewtieBird’s Photo Journey's avatar

Beautiful bird and shots.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thank you and very much appreciated.

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Kim Nelson's avatar

The vibrant colors of this heron, unlike any of the herons I've seen nearby, enthrall me.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Their colours are definitely vibrant and striking. They're a treat to see up close and I do hope you have a chance to see one, Kim.

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MK Creel's avatar

These photos are amazing. You really captured the heron's striking plumage.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thank you, and much appreciated. I am fascinated with those blue-grey feathers on this heron and that white trim. They form an interesting geometric pattern.

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MK Creel's avatar

I thought so too. They are striking.

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Heidi Zawelevsky's avatar

Outstanding photos of the Green Heron, Neil. I really enjoyed the sijo as it frames the series so well.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks, Heidi and much appreciated. I was really fortunate with this heron and their patience helped me a lot with the inspiration for this sijo.

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Jeanne Grant, Ph.D.'s avatar

Beautiful.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Agreed, Jeanne. They're a really beautiful bird to see. I was glad this one was so patient.

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Sandy S's avatar

Neil, thank you for your poem! And wonderful pics of this Green Heron. I happened on your post early this morning and was captivated by the videos. Then 'The Eternal Now' swallowed me up before I could comment. These Sijo poems are new to me and I like the form!

A Green Heron by any other name, might be blue, black, and so on! :-) But isn't he (or she?) a sight to behold! I really like that special bit of patterning at the side of the wings. Loved taking in all of the videos!! The birds ability to stand so firmly while preening and scratching his head is reminding me to take time to practice my own ability to settle into a balanced pose. Thank you so much for your generous post. The eternal now awaits. :-)

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks, Sandy and very much appreciated! I was really fortunate to see this heron and they were quite patient with me nearby. I am glad you liked the sijo form and poem as well. This particular heron was a nice inspiration for this sijo.

Their name really is a misnomer as I cannot find any green on them. Those geometric patterns on their feather are some of my favourites I have ever seen in a bird - quite unique!

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Marc Mannheimer's avatar

This bird's coloring is incredible! I don't see it as green, so much, but it's blue tints along with the many other colorings are wonderful.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Agreed, Marc. I too do not see green at all. I do love the colours though. A beautiful bird for sure.

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Marisol Muñoz-Kiehne's avatar

Green Heron shows how.

Perch and preen your feathers clean.

Scratch itch with gusto!

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Neil Barker's avatar

A lovely haiku, Marisol! I really like the final line as it goes so well with the video clip. :)

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Poetry Kitt's avatar

It is my favorite heron... thanks❤️

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Neil Barker's avatar

They're becoming one of mine as well. They're such a treat to see. Happy to share, Poetry Kitt.

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James Freitas's avatar

Gorgeous photos, Neil. Thank you.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks, James and much appreciated. This spot has been very good for spotting Green Herons.

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Pamela Leavey's avatar

Such beauty Neil! And this Sijo. It finds me where I am of late. Ever fascinated in the moment where I am now. Your Green Heron and it's habitat are bliss.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks, Pamela and very much appreciated! Spending some time with this heron was the inspiration for this sijo.

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