2006 Rescue & Release

"Sookie" was helpless when she arrived at MWR, but its eyes were open, it was covered in grayish down and was loudly pleading for help. Adult Green Herons are one of the few tool-using birds who commonly drop bait onto the surface of the water like crusts of bread, insects, earthworms, twigs, or feathers to catch fish. The solitary Green Heron usually forages from a perch, where it stands with its body lowered and stretched out horizontally, ready to thrust its bill at unsuspecting prey like crayfish, crustaceans, aquatic insects, frogs, grasshoppers, snakes, and rodents. They inhabit small, freshwater wetlands, ponds, and streams with thick vegetation and usually migrate to warmer coastal areas and mangrove swamps. Green Herons typically do not nest in large colonies, but find locations in trees near the water, where the males stake out territories and call to attract females. The male starts the nest, bringing long, thin sticks to the female who finishes it. Both parents incubate the eggs and help brood the young for about three weeks. Fledglings start to fly at 21 to 23 days, but the parents continue will continue to feed their young for a few more weeks until they fledge after about 30 to 35 days.