Clutch 2 and 3 preparing for the Arrival of Young Siblings

                                                         Green Heron Chicks, Clutch 3

                                                          Green Heron Chick, Clutch 3

                                                                           Ditto

                                                                            Ditto

                                                        Green Heron Juvenile, Clutch 2

                                                         Green Heron Chicks, Clutch 3
                                                                  Just Prior to Feeding

                                                 Green Heron Adult and Clutch 3 Chicks
                                                                 "Feeding Assault"

                                                                           Ditto
                                                               "Feeding Assault 2"

                                                          Green Heron Chicks, Clutch 3
                                                                      Post Feeding

                                                       Green Heron Juvenile, Clutch 2

                                                             Green Heron First Summer

                                                                         Ditto

                                                      Green Heron First Summer (Right)
                                                                Clutch 2 Bird (Left)

                                                            Green Heron First Summer

                                                                 Green Heron Adult

                                                            Green Heron First Summer

                                                                          Ditto

                                                         Green Heron Chick, Clutch 3

                                                       Green Heron Juveniles, Clutch 2

                                                         Green Heron Chicks, Clutch 3


July 12-14, 2016

78-80 degrees F/partly to mostly cloudy, variable/10 mph winds, except July 12, which was 16
     mph winds/68-70% RH

All days experienced unsettled weather


Over these three days, over six hundred photos were obtained of various behaviors, some of which
included the feeding of clutch 2.  Most of the feedings were done by the first summer bird, while
the adult birds looked on and/or fed themselves or the females sitting on nests.  The first summer bird
fed both sets of youngsters and did an exemplary job in its capacity, resting for 20-30 minute time
periods when necessary.

Even the clutch 3 birds are quite flighted, even though they have not gone on a maiden voyage at
this time.  They have been doing some experimental movement, which includes showing themselves at the rear of their immediate boundaries, and show no sense of caution.  As such, I control what I
can to keep them as safe as possible.  Clutch 2 members are still fearless and have been going for
longer flights with experienced bird(s) upon occasion.

The eldest member of clutch 3 has been going to the water's edge and wandering about the immediate nest tree area, but no land movement has been observed at the rear of the colony, like the members of
clutch 1 in their early lives.

The Newest Kids in the 'Hood Come Down the Nest Tree

                                                          Green Heron Chicks, Clutch 3

                                                         Green Heron Chick, Clutch 2

                                                            Green Heron Chick, Clutch 3

                                                     Two Out of Three (Eldest), Clutch 3

                                                      Eldest Green Heron Chick, Clutch 3

                                                        Green Heron Juvenile, Clutch 2

                                                        Green Heron Juveniles, Clutch 2

                                                                     Ditto, Position 2

                                                          Green Heron Chick, Clutch 2

                                                          Green Heron Chick, Clutch 3

                                                                   Red Eared Slider


July 6, 2016

0850-0950 hrs./80-88 degrees F(felt like 90)/partly cloudy/15 mph SSE winds/72% RH

Prior to going out slightly later, the cloud cover was very heavy with no light coming through.
When the youngsters got out of bed at the crack of 0845, the action began soon after.  They were
coaxed out of their immediate nest tree area by the young of clutch 2.  They still showed some
instability, but the older birds were handy, along with a parent in the area at all times.  The family
seems to have chick rearing down to a science, which is good introductory material for the older
youngsters in clutch 2.

The littlest ones didn't stay out long, as they still have a lot of down feathers, which is not good protection from the sun.  When they were feeling the heat, they just went back to the protection
of the tree boughs.

                                                        Green Heron Juvenile, Clutch 2

                                                                          Ditto

                                                                   Green Heron Adult

                                                        Green Heron Juvenile, Clutch 2

                                                                     Clutch 2 Members

                                                          Green Heron Chicks, Clutch 3

                                                           Clutch 3 Green Heron Chick

                                                  Clutch 3 Chicks Coming Down the Tree

                                                         Green Heron Chicks, Clutch 3
                                                       (Just After Being Fed by Parent)

                                                            Green Heron Chick, Clutch 3


July 7, 2016

0730-0840 hrs./82-83 degrees F (feels like 88)/mostly cloudy/16 mph S winds/67% RH


An adult and the clutch 2 juveniles were all strategically placed while the clutch 3 chicks
were coaxed into coming out of the safe confines of the outer area where the nest was near.
They made it down the tree and into the open without incident, even though they are still somewhat unsteady on their feet, but this will improve with experience.

This was the day that they were fed by a parent in the open.  Soon after the parent left, they
returned to the inner sanctum of the nest tree, but the final picture shows one holdout.  The final
member of clutch tree returned to the nest area after a short time.

Here's Looking at You, Kid: Day 8 with the First Family of 2016

                                                          Green Heron Chicks in a Row

                                                 Three Green Heron Chicks on a Diagonal

                                           Two Juveniles(Left) Stirred Up By Adult(Right)

                                                               "Strike Up a Pose"

                                                              Adult Green Heron

                                                                  Juvenile Green Heron

                                                                 Juvenile Green Heron

                               
                                                              Juvenile Green Heron
         

                                                         
                                             Last Born Green Heron Juvenile of June 2016

                                                                Adult Green Heron

                                                               Juvenile Green Heron

                                                                Same Bird as Above


06-16-16

As can be observed, the chicks are getting older.  I believe that the youngest is the only one
now showing any downy tufts of feathers on the head.  They're all progressing nicely, a good
early group.  Chances are excellent that we could easily see three clutches from this family
during the summer, if good weather holds out and plenty of food is available.

Today the oldest bird left the younger ones on their own, returned for the other two, and only
the baby remained.

Birds are still very astute to their surroundings and miss nothing going on around them, a great
necessity for longevity.  The other is a strong will to survive, to which the baby is still a little
lacking in this regard.

However, they are all foraging well, and with time, all good things will happen for the First
Family of 2016.