"NIGHT TIME, DAY TIME"

Black-Crowned Night Heron - 8 Photos

There is something so special of spending some day time with a Black-Crowned Night Heron, particularly one that has found sanctuary in a more remote part of a pond, safe from the harassment of Red-Winged Blackbirds. 

I can relate, having been hazed by a few of those Red-Winged bullies  while walking along a path far from a wetland area and/or potential nesting spots. They can be intimidating despite their size but unlike herons who appear to cower (both Great Blue & Black-Crowned Night), a few defensive swipes from my hands generally sends them packing. Those moves aren't to make any contact but only to state my case. "I'm no where near your territories so go back to where you came from!"

Because of the rocky sections of this part of the creek, the Night Heron was camouflaged by the environment and therefore, could spend hours fishing & grooming, without interruption from annoying low flyers. And yes, there were Red-Winged Blackbirds in the vicinity, just totally oblivious to a little heron minding its own business. 

And woe to a heron who ventured out of its "safe zone" - Photo #8. 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8