I spotted this green heron near Souvenir City in Gulf Shores, Alabama. It was perched on a piling looking for fish and preening itself. Unlike other herons and egrets they rarely wade into the water and prefer to perch on trees and other structure while they hunt. 

Gulf Shores Wildlife PhotographerGreen heron in Gulf Shores, Alabama Green Heron in Gulf ShoresGreen heron in Gulf Shores, Alabama Green Heron in Gulf ShoresGreen heron in Gulf Shores, Alabama Green Heron in Gulf ShoresGreen heron in Gulf Shores, Alabama Green Heron in Gulf ShoresGreen heron in Gulf Shores, Alabama Green Heron in Gulf ShoresGreen heron in Gulf Shores, Alabama Green Heron in Gulf ShoresGreen heron in Gulf Shores, Alabama Green Heron in Gulf ShoresGreen heron in Gulf Shores, Alabama Green Heron in Gulf ShoresGreen heron in Gulf Shores, Alabama

While I was and out and about I also spotted a great white egret and great blue heron. As you can see in comparison the green heron is smaller and has a stockier build than the other herons.

Great White in Gulf ShoresGreat white egret in Gulf Shores, Alabama Great White in Gulf ShoresGreat white egret in Gulf Shores, Alabama Great blue heron in Gulf ShoresGreat blue heron in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores Photographer