At my last visit to the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, I spotted a Green Heron in the distant wetlands. He was hopping from branch to branch, and I quickly realized he was searching for sticks to build a nest.

First he would reach tall for the edges of branches, hoping that the branch would break. This was the challenge, since most of the sticks didn’t yield.

After trying all the branches in one area, he would give up and fly to the next clump. Each time he flew, he came closer to the happy photographer!

Finally one of those pesky branches yielded, and the heron broke off a twig. Perfect for the nursery! He stood with it for a few seconds in his beak to show off his victory prize.

But it’s not good to keep your prospective mate waiting. Time to go show what a great provider he can be!