Cooper's Hawk, # 37/50

This Cooper's Hawk stood ready at the entrance to Green Cay Wetlands, greeting the visitors one early Saturday morning~

I was able to photograph him from the back, side and front.~

Interesting Facts:

Among the bird world’s most skillful fliers, Cooper’s Hawks are common woodland hawks that tear through cluttered tree canopies in high speed pursuit of other birds. You’re most likely to see one prowling above a forest edge or field using just a few stiff wingbeats followed by a glide. With their smaller lookalike, the Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawks make for famously tricky identifications. Both species are sometimes unwanted guests at bird feeders, looking for an easy meal (but not one of sunflower seeds).

Green Heron #7/50

I find it ironic that in these four Green Heron images I chose - he is posing for me facing right, so I guess that is his "good side" LOL

Interesting facts:

The Green Heron is small, has a short  neck and yellow to orange legs which are distinctive and effectly camouflage this species. Usually solitary and skulking, it can be found in fresh or salt water. When flushed, it flies abruptly, emitting a loud squawking call.

Tricolored Heron #5/50

These images of a Tricolored heron were taken at Green Cay Wetlands, Delray Beach.  In the 2nd small image we can see his breeding colors in the bill (blue). In the bottom image, he had just shook off his wet feathers and was in the process of putting himself back together when I caught this (when a little bird jumped in my frame). The top small image is a "teenager" tricolored heron, image taken at Alligator Farm, St. Augustine FL.

Interesting facts:
During breeding season the Tri-color gets even more colorful. The base of its bill turns bright blue, and it develops a white pony tail plume on the back of its head. Soft tan plumes grow from its back. Its legs turn bright red.