Grey Heron Silhouette
by Kay Novy
Title
Grey Heron Silhouette
Artist
Kay Novy
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
I found this grey heron early one morning along lake Michigan in the Kenosha, Wisconsin area. I think he was hunting for food.
It is a large bird, standing up to 100 cm (39 in) tall and measuring 84 102 cm (33 40 in) long with a 155 195 cm (61 77 in) wingspan. The body weight can range from 1.02 2.08 kg (2.2 4.6 lb). Its plumage is largely grey above, and off-white below. Adults have a white head with a broad black supercilium and slender crest, while immatures have a dull grey head. It has a powerful, pinkish-yellow bill, which is brighter in breeding adults. It has a slow flight, with its long neck retracted (S-shaped). This is characteristic of herons and bitterns, and distinguishes them from storks, cranes and spoonbills, which extend their necks. The call is a loud croaking "fraaank". The Australian White-faced Heron is often incorrectly called a Grey Heron. In Ireland the Grey Heron is often colloquially called a "crane".
It feeds in shallow water, catching fish, frogs, and insects with its long bill. Herons will also take small mammals and reptiles. They occasionally take birds up to the size of a Water Rail. It will often wait motionless for prey, or slowly stalk its victim.
Uploaded
September 5th, 2014
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Viewed 901 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 03/25/2024 at 12:35 PM
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Comments (47)
John Bailey
Congratulations on being featured in the Fine Art America Group "Images That Excite You!"
Kay Novy replied:
Thanks so very much, John. I'm honored to be featured in your wonderful group, "Images That Excite You"!