Adult Yellow-crowned Night Heron looking for prey in Oklahoma, Sequoyah National Wildlife RefugeAdult 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, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, OklahomaYellow-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, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, OklahomaYellow-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, OklahomaPreening 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, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, OklahomaFluffed 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.