A Family of Black-crowned Night-Herons

A few weeks ago I had an exciting surprise discovering a family of Black-crowned Night Herons within our community’s premises.  Very exciting because they were also a new lifer for me.  🙂

Juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron

Juvenile Black-crowned Night-Heron

Momma keeping an eye on Junior below him

Momma on the ground, keeping an eye on Junior

Close-up of Momma Black-crowned Night Heron

I zoomed in for a close-up of Momma

Dad across the small inlet from Momma and Junior, also on watch

Dad was positioned 6′ across the small inlet from Momma and Junior, also on watch

While zooming out on Dad, I spotted a third adult Black-crowned Night Heron in the grass beyond him

While zooming out on Dad, I spotted a third adult Black-crowned Night-Heron in the grass beyond him

Not one of the adults moved a muscle while I took a few photos. However, Junior seemed unfazed on his perch and continued to move around preening and stretching.  I imagined the parents were a nervous wreck with all of Junior’s movement!

One more photo of Momma with the sun's sky reflection on the water behind her

I moved my position and took one more photo of Momma with the setting sun reflecting on the water behind her

Boy, you can bet I was tickled with this photo opportunity!

I returned two evenings later about the same time to see if the family had returned.  Sure enough, they had; but this time I found them perched within our marina, about 100′ from the previous evening’s water spot, just hanging out.

Momma and Junior

Momma and Junior Black-crowned Night-Herons

Dad across from them on a piling, again keeping a watchful eye on his family

Dad across from them on a piling, again keeping a watchful eye on his family

I checked a couple more times but haven’t seen them since.  I just love that ‘right time right place’ photo op happening!

As always, thank you for stopping by, I appreciate all your visits.  🙂

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