Yellow-crowned Night Heron

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Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Fort De Soto
Yellow-crowned Night Herons were the last North American heron I found. In fact, as an beginning birder, they were my "nemesis bird." Since then, I've learned where to find them.  They are pretty consistently at Orlando Wetlands Park during certain times of the year, and lately I've seen them at Merritt Island and Fort De Soto as well. I think they're cool-looking herons.  To me it seems their head is too big for their neck.  Juveniles look very different from adults (all brown), and when they're juveniles they can be more easily confused with Black-crowned Night Herons and even American Bitterns.  But juvenile Yellow-crowned Night Herons have an all black bill and white spots on their wings.

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Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Fort De Soto
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Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Orlando Wetlands Park
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Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Orlando Wetlands Park (photo from my first sighting of this species)
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Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Juvenile)
Merritt Island NWR

Comments

  1. Scott, brilliant photos as usual. This is my nemisis heron as well. I have not yet seen one. I might pick your brain next time I'm out to the beautiful state of Florida.

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  2. Just wonderful, as usual. I appreciate the different angles, & juvenile shot. I have been fortunate to see tnem on Ling Island..

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