Adult Yellow-crowned Night Heron looking for prey in Oklahoma – Canon R7, beanbag, f9, 1/250, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Canon RF 100-500mm at 500mm, natural light
Yesterday there was a break in the weather, so I drove to Miner’s Cove at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge and found this preening Yellow-crowned Night Heron.
I don’t see these night herons as frequently as I would like to.
Yellow-crowned Night Heron preening in an old willow tree – Canon R7, beanbag, f9, 1/320, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Canon RF 100-500mm at 500mm, natural light
When I do have them in my viewfinder, I tend to take hundreds of photos. Especially when they give me multiple poses, which they do when they are preening.
Yellow-crowned Night Heron in a willow over Miner’s Cove – Canon R7, beanbag, f9, 1/500, ISO 500, Canon RF 100-500mm at 500mm, natural light
I sat inside my Jeep using it as a mobile blind to photograph and video this night heron. I sure didn’t want to cause the heron to fly off.
Preening Yellow-crowned Night Heron at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge – Canon R7, beanbag, f9, 1/500, ISO 500, Canon RF 100-500mm at 500mm, natural light
The Yellow-crowned Night Heron seemed comfortable with my presence and went about preening their feathers. The willow tree made for a nice background and for a change I had lovely light.
I decided to take a few videos of the night heron preening along with the stills.
Watch on YouTube.
Of the videos I took, I was most happy with the video about because it showed the night heron actively preening. I also like the birds sounds in the background.
Side note: I have NO idea how I picked up the sound of a motorcycle, I sure didn’t see any at the refuge.
Fluffed up Yellow-crowned Night Heron at Miner’s Cove – Canon R7, beanbag, f9, 1/320, ISO 500, Canon RF 100-500mm at 472mm, natural light
When the Yellow-crowned Night Heron took a break from preening, I noticed a vehicle coming up behind me. I pointed out the heron to the people in the car and drove up the road, knowing I’d be happy with these photos, which put a smile on my face.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Yellow-crowned Night Heron photos plus facts and information about this species.
Wonderful group of shots. The detail is all the more remarkable considering the heron was standing in what appears to be low or diffuse light. Thanks Mia.
Lovely post – thanks for brightening my day.
Great catch!
So nice to see a variety of moments from this hard- to -find heron’s daily life!-Jeri