Bay Photos by Donna

With a cup of coffee alongside my camera, the quiet early mornings are a favorite time on my balcony, watching the antics of Osprey Bella & Beau and their chicks as they start their day, while the creek itself begins to awaken with activity.  You know me, I also keep a keen eye open, never knowing what else might appear.

Black-crowned Night Heron (adult)

On one of those cloudy mornings a couple weeks ago, I was pleased with an appearance by a Black-crowned Night Heron walking along the dock, stalking the waters that were well below.

Black-crowned Night Heron (adult)

True to its name, the Black-crowned Night Heron normally feeds between evening and early morning.

Black-crowned Night Heron (adult)

I wasn’t sure how the Black-crowned Night Heron thought he was going to reach the water if he did see something to snatch, so I stayed with the him to see what would happen.

Nothing happened, of course.  After a few more minutes, he suddenly took flight.

Black-crowned Night Heron in flight

Black-crowned Night Heron in flight

Black-crowned Night Heron in flight

This time he was smart.  The Black-crowned Night Heron landed underneath another dock where fishing opportunities had to be much better than on top.

I could no longer see him but I wished him success!