ID. Central Texas. Heron? Babies. (1 Viewer)

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graniteguy

New member

• Jun 19, 2005

• #1

These babies are in a tree above my driveway. They are dropping small fish down on to my driveway. I have not seen a momma and I have not seen a nest. They are significantly larger than a full grown whitewinged dove, yet it is obvious they are babies. There are three of them that I have seen. I am in Central Texas, no where near the ocean. Anyone up for the challenge?


This shows the back side as well as the beak. the beak is under the branch:

Here is another:

 

Katy Penland

Well-known member

• Jun 19, 2005

• #2

Hi, graniteguy! A warm welcome to you from all of us here on staff at BirdForum.

Can't help you with your ID but it looks like it could possibly be some kind of heron. Have to let the experts wrangle with this one.

EDIT: Duh, I just saw "heron" in your post title. Jeez, must be too late to be on BF! LOL!

 

Last edited: Jun 19, 2005

G

graniteguy

New member

• Jun 19, 2005

• #3

Thanks. I wonder if anyone else has had dead fish showing up on their driveway? I thought some neighborhood kids were pranking me. Then I had about a 4 ft diameter "dropzone" show up on the driveway. I looked up and saw these cute little critters up there. I sat outside off and on hoping momma would show up but no luck. The wife and I feel pretty special as this is not a normal bird for our yard.

 

Dimitris

Birdwatcher in Oz

• Jun 19, 2005

• #4

Welcome to BF!

They look like some kind of small Bittern/Heron.Perhaps Green Heron.But I don't know much about US birds

Best of luck!

Dimitris

 

KC Foggin

Very, very long time member

Supporter

• Jun 19, 2005

• #5

I think I would go with Green Heron on this one from the looks of the second shot.

 

G

graniteguy

New member

• Jun 19, 2005

• #6

The green heron may be it. It definately is in my area according to the book I have. I may have seen momma fly off this morning. It was very brief and the tree canopies cut the view. A large bird (not great blue heron large) was flying off. It was kind of "not gracefull" as it flew off. I only saw it for a brief second.
I got some more pics. It shows neck fully extended, one perching, and one is out of the shade to show a hint of color:

 

G

graniteguy

New member

• Jun 19, 2005

• #7

Late breaking news. Momma came by just now. I didn't have time to get the camera but you guys were definately correct. Green Heron it is.

I also have a red headed woodpecker nesting in my backyard. She has a 3" hole in a half dead tree (glad I never cut it down). I can walk up and here the babies crying inside. Momma comes every few minutes with fresh bugs.