Adult Black-crowned Night Heron at the edge of the Bear River – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
People who regularly read my blog posts may recognize the adult Black-crowned Night Heron in these photos because I shared one image of it in a June post titled “Highlights Of My Bird Photography Trip Yesterday to Bear River MBR” where I shared several of the bird species I photographed the day before at the refuge. Since that post already had quite a few images I decided that I would share more of this heron at a later date. Today is a later date.
This Black-crowned Night Heron spent some time resting on a small spit of high ground that jutted out into the Bear River.
Still adult Black-crowned Night Heron – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Although the setting was a little cluttered looking this is precisely where I would expect to see this species only they are often more hidden from view so when they are out in the open I jump at the chance to take photos of them. Besides I love the inclusion of habitat in my bird photos.
Black-crowned Night Heron striking at prey – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The Black-crowned Night Heron also spent some time hunting for prey that day and this photo shows it striking at something near the edge of the water.
I was glad to focus on the Black-crowned Night Herons I saw that morning because of late I have seen fewer of them than I have on past years which has meant fewer opportunities to photograph them.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Black-crowned Night Heron photos plus facts and information about this species.
Great shots and wonderful captions! The heron has such amazing eyes. This is stuff I would never know about without your posts. Thanks Mia.
Gorgeous! Those eyes are something else!
I am so sorry that the numbers of this beautiful bird appear to be diminishing. And hope they make a comeback.
I have seen fewer of them as well over the years.You have such good light here, out in the open and not hiding in the shade.
They are not dimorphic but I wonder if females are a different size?
My Sibley Guide to Birds does not indicate there is a difference in size.
Interesting that you are noticing a decrease in Black-crowned Night Herons. Up until the last couple of years we would have at least 50 birds along the shore of the rapids above Niagara Falls. This year I have seen only one. I miss them.
You certainly were lucky to have an unobstructed view with the heron standing in front of all those reeds. They can be so reclusive. I could not even find their nest in the local rookery, though they did produce at least one youngster.