Black-capped night herons (also known as black-crowned night herons, or simply night herons) are widely distributed throughout the world wherever there is salt or fresh water wetlands. This guy allowed me a very close approach in ideal lighting conditions for a headshot — direct, low sun, with a dark shadowed background. Taken during a work trip last year to Kiawah Island in South Carolina. Nikon D500 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 360mm) ISO 200, f/8 at 1/1250th of a second.
——- Were you a fish or frog salamander or
——- Newt or any wetland guy
——- This fellow would be an unhappy
——- Wake up call
——- The bittern hides as reed
——- As this heron cloaks
——- In imperiousness .
We have these dudes & “chicks” in great abundance in northern California along the coast. They are fun to observe and fun to photograph, what with their coloration & prominent plumes. They make clucking sounds, reminiscent of chickens. The juveniles are brown-hued and beautiful in their own own right. The eyes of night herons are so captivating, just as pictured in your image, Sean. They are not always welcomed, especially when they perch in large numbers in homeowners’ trees. Fortunately, they are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
What a breathtaking shot! The lighting couldn’t have been better in a studio setting. It’s always a treat to see these little guys where I live, and their Yellow-crowned night heron cousins. One used to “visit” the lanai of one of our friends every time there was a party—I think he just wanted to join in!
We use cookies to enhance your experience while using our website. If you are using our Services via a browser you can restrict, block or remove cookies through your web browser settings. We also use content and scripts from third parties that may use tracking technologies. You can selectively provide your consent below to allow such third party embeds. For complete information about the cookies we use, data we collect and how we process them, please check our Privacy Policy
Fantastic shot. Great detail. The black background really makes the heron pop!.
Thank you sir.
Heron looks like it is posing for a portrait against a black backdrop. I like the gray, white, and black with a hint of yellow and a splash of red.
Thanks Donna. Nice to see all that detail that the camera can produce.
——- Were you a fish or frog salamander or
——- Newt or any wetland guy
——- This fellow would be an unhappy
——- Wake up call
——- The bittern hides as reed
——- As this heron cloaks
——- In imperiousness .
We have these dudes & “chicks” in great abundance in northern California along the coast. They are fun to observe and fun to photograph, what with their coloration & prominent plumes. They make clucking sounds, reminiscent of chickens. The juveniles are brown-hued and beautiful in their own own right. The eyes of night herons are so captivating, just as pictured in your image, Sean. They are not always welcomed, especially when they perch in large numbers in homeowners’ trees. Fortunately, they are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Thanks Sue. I liked that this guy’s little plume was falling to the camera side of his/her head.
What a breathtaking shot! The lighting couldn’t have been better in a studio setting. It’s always a treat to see these little guys where I live, and their Yellow-crowned night heron cousins. One used to “visit” the lanai of one of our friends every time there was a party—I think he just wanted to join in!
Thanks Laura. Always nice when the birds drop by to enjoy your company.
Amazing how close you must have gotten! I’ve been to Edisto, but never to Kiawah. It’s been years since I was down that way, but I’d love to go back.
Thanks James. It’s a great island. Lots of development, but feels strongly wild despite all the houses.
cool pic. )