The Green Heron (Butorides virescens) is a small heron found in North and Central America. They are commonly seen along the waters edge, standing very still, stalking unsuspecting prey beneath the surface. They have a wide variety in their diet ranging from small fish, amphibians, and insects. Even small snakes and lizards are fair game. Like most herons, they are an interesting species to watch as they move slowly and methodically to position themselves to catch their prey.
Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata) ducks on a shallow pond in The Woodlands, Texas. Proving natural open spaces and water bodies is important to these and other migratory birds who vist the Houston and Gulf Coast region in the fall and winter months.
Mallard Ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) in the early morning lake fog on the Spring Creek Nature Trail.