Green Heron
These small herons are fascinating to watch. They're known to place bait (insects, seeds, etc.) on the water surface to attract fish. Then they stand above perfectly still... and pounce. We've watched them do it in a marina, perched on a dockline. Once they've caught a fish, they have to juggle to get it pointing right before the big swallow. After which it's bill cleaning time.

This photo was taken along the Rio San Cristobal in Mexico. (2/07)