I had been hoping to get some better reference of a Green Heron as usually they are a little shy and don't allow a close approach. The few times I have been found one nearby, I had been without sketchbook or camera. Fortunately this time was different. I first noticed the bird when it gave its characteristic call in flight just a little way away then it turned and landed out in the open. I slowly walked directly towards the bird stopping every few meters or so while doing a quick sketch etc. Then when I could see the bird wasn't worried about my presence, I slowly moved a little closer.
Amazingly I got to within 2 meters or so and still not much reaction from the bird. I marveled at the plumage in the bright sun especially the almost iridescent green on its back. Still sketching, the bird stretched its neck upwards and appeared to be peering towards the sky - I think there could have been a raptor above but I didn't want to take my eyes off it. Then after a min or so, it shuffled out its plumage and gave a quick shake settling all its feathers back in place again. I think it couldn't quite make out what I was as it then started to display erecting its neck and head feathers.
Then it turned and slowly walked away while keeping its neck stretched upwards. Unfortunately a loud sound nearby frightened it and the heron took flight circling the marsh once before flying off. It was an amazing experience to be so close to a wild bird like this. I did these paintings in my sketch book mostly from my drawings and added watercolor trying to capture its somewhat complicated plumage. They say that all good things come to those who wait, well that was certainly true in this case! Sketchbook size was 12 x 9 inches.
