Years ago when I participated in a forum, Naturescapes.Net, the favored bird portrait would be with one on the end of a stick (thus Bird on a Stick). This is a somewhat different example of that although not with the clean background so many wish for. Yesterday’s Kingfisher was another.
This might be the same bird that visited the foggy tree I posted yesterday after the Kingfisher left. It landed for just a few seconds and then was off again flying in the direction of this small pond. Kinda looks like it’s riding a water snake.
Stephen Gingold Nature Photography Blog 
Nice shot, Steve. The branch made me think of a semi-submerged alligator, with the Green Heron perched right on its head. 🙂
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That’s exactly what I saw too! Great image! 🙂
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The alligator vision is the clear winner here. 🙂
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I thought of an alligator also but since we don’t have any here, unless someone releases a “pet”, I thought of a snake which we do have. Thanks, Mike!
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I think I have been viewing too many photos from Ted and Ellen Jennings in South Carolina, where alligators are a pretty familiar sight. 🙂
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That would have been a good reason for me to see an alligator too as I follow Ted and Ellen.
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I saw the perch as a large fish or eel.
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That works also. An eel looks a bit snaky.
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I’m also on board with the alligator vision.
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The alligator vision seems to have the odds.
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Someday I will capture a green heron. Someday…. I really like this one! Wish it were mine.
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I’d gladly trade a green heron shot for a nice bit of surf. Thanks, Mike!
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Or an alligator…that’s such an interesting expression on its face. 🙂
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The score in favor of an alligator is getting pretty lopsided. 🙂
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🙂 It is. One of my Green heron associations is watching one in the Everglades, in an area that was chock full of gators, so the two are linked in my mind.
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Very nice Steve! I also go along with the “gator look”!
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Thanks, Reed!
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I like these herons, they have personality. This one seems intent on figuring out what on earth you are up to! He doesn’t look hugely impressed 😉
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I am fortunate that they are common enough here in New England. It is hard to choose from herons and egrets for a favorite but this green one is near the top of the list. They do usually look a bit irritated. 🙂
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Beautiful capture, Steve, he’s a handsome bird.
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Thanks, Eliza. I love finding these larger birds along the rail trail. So enjoyable to watch them hunting.
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I like all herons, but am particularly fond of the green kind. I’m very envious of your lovely photo as most of mine were taken from far away and leave much to be desired. I only see one or two a year, if I’m lucky!
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This one was actually fairly close at hand and I was glad that my 800mm is the result of a zoom with teleconverter. They are lovely birds. Thanks, Tanja!
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I was sure that was an alligator, particularly since I’ve seen everything from dragonflies to the occasional bird perching atop the big ones. Your title also brought to mind Franz Boas, who’s sometimes called the father of American anthropology.
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Good thing the photographic shorthand wasn’t for bird on a zebra. Then it would have indeed been confusing. Well, despite my thought that a snake was more likely up here, I have now accepted that this is indeed an alligator.
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I’m certainly a fan of clean backgrounds and do seek them out. But I also appreciate these sorts, that seem more real giving a bit more context into the environment the bird frequents. And I love green herons, such beautiful birds.
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I think we are happy to take whatever Nature offers. I am happy with an environmental background or a soft one as long as the subject is sharp. A Green Heron does make the day a bit brighter.
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