Black Crowned Night Heron

[scottbergerphoto]

I never saw one of these before today. Have you?

http://www.pbase.com/scottbergerphoto/image/43985882.jpg

Shot with 20D, Sigma 500mm f/4.5, Tamron 1.4X

[robertwgross]

Yup, Nycticorax nyticorax. One of my favorites.

One year ago, I saw my first one, and I thought it must be the rarest of the rare birds. Then, after some study, I found out exactly where they hang out, and they can be common. This photo shows the typical hunting mode for the birds. It hunts from some low branch, typically within a couple of inches of the water surface. It snatches up small fish or frogs very quickly, so you've got to be quick with the shutter.

Now, however, I know where the Migratory Bird Sanctuary is, and it has about 25-30 nests of these, each with one or two parents and typically three squawking baby birds. Most of the nests are in low, dense trees, and no more than ten feet up. A little bit of flash works, and it does not seem to startle the birds.

You've got to get it right to show the red eyeball.

---Bob Gross---

[scottbergerphoto]

Thank you, o' master of all things Ornithologic!

[robertwgross]

Since this bird has interesting plumage, but it's not very colorful, it is always necessary to get some color in the background. So, the yellows and greens are helpful here. Red in the background can be okay, but it does not help the bird's red eyeball stand out. This bird is called crepuscular, which means that they are more nocturnal. However, I've seen them at about every hour of the day. The reflection in the water is good.

---Bob Gross---

[robertwgross]

Thank you, o' master of all things Ornithologic!

Thank you! That is quite a tribute from somebody with a PhD in flashography.

Up until June 2004, I didn't pay much attention to such birds, since my bird lens was pretty soft. Then I got my 100-400 L, and that opened up my horizons tremendously, birding-wise.

Prior to that, I guess you could say that I didn't give a hoot (note avatar).

---Bob Gross---

[sparker1]

Nice shot, Scott. We see them around here occasionally, usually in the mangroves.

[tupe]

That's another beautiful shot, Scott!

[robertwgross]

[QUOTE=robertwgross] One of my favorites.[QUOTE]

By that, I meant with a hot pan and a bit of olive oil.

Then Belmondo comments: Tastes like chicken.

---Bob Gross---

[scottbergerphoto]

Stan, Tupe: Thanks!.
Bob: Easy on the Prozac!