Black-crowned Night Heron flying in front of the Promontory Mountains – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Almost a year ago I had this adult Black-crowned Night Heron in my viewfinder as it flew in front of the Promontory Mountains at Bear River MBR. The light was wonderful and it illuminated the heron well against the darker mountain peaks.
The Promontory Mountains are west of the marshes of the refuge and the peaks of the range can be striking in early morning light.
Black-crowned Night Herons are year round residents in the marshes and wetlands of northern Utah. I think these night herons look particularly striking during the spring when they are in breeding plumage with their long occipital plumes.
Spring Black-crowned Night Heron adult in flight – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This spring I haven’t had many opportunities to photograph Black-crowned Night Herons. That has more to do with gloomy weather and fewer opportunities in the field than anything else.
There are years that I have seen very few Black-crowned Night Herons on the refuge and other years where I have seen plenty of them. I suspect that has to do with water levels and the abundance of prey close to the auto tour route more than anything else.
I am looking forward to finding and photographing this species and other birds at the refuge as soon as I can get back up there. Hopefully the weather will get better soon.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Black-crowned Night Heron photos plus facts and information about this species.
Beautiful flight shots!
I hope you have lots and lots of these beauties in your viewfinder. Soon.
Well that is another bird I have never seen before in my area. Thanks for the post. Very good looking Heron.