"WHEN THE END OF DAY MEETS THE NIGHT"

Black-Crowned Night Heron - 5 Photos

So before scrolling down to the photos, let's discuss the nomenclature (or naming) of this small heron.

First of all, the crown is not "black" but dark navy blue.

And yes, although these photos were taken an hour and a half before sunset, most of the photos I've taken of Black-Crowned Night Herons have been mid-morning, noon or mid-afternoon. There have been some photos I've taken just at dusk. And most likely, these small herons would be seen past daylight hours but the bird's actual physical description & habits certainly don't meet the criteria of the heron's common name.

But navy versus black and day versus night, what's in a name? The Black-Crowned Night Heron doesn't care & certainly isn't aware.

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5