Night Stalker of the Boardwalk

Strolling along the waterfront boardwalk in Beaufort, I watch the sunset and photograph the spectacular winter sky. In the growing dimness, a large bird lands on a pier piling, emitting an undignified “quok” sound.

These mysterious birds are night herons, arriving for a long night of fishing. More specifically, they are Black-crowned night herons, otherwise known as Nycticorax nycticorax.

About the size of a seagull, there’s no mistaking a night heron’s profile. Chunky and hunchbacked. Remaining motionless, the bird I’m watching is apparently unmoved by me or the other foot traffic on the boardwalk. The ghostly form seems to be asleep until all of a sudden it STRIKES, diving into the blackened water below. These nocturnal birds snooze during the day somewhere in the wetlands, nestled into a tree or dense brush.

In the light of day, you can get a good look at the plumage of the night heron, if you can find one. I took these close-up shots at Brookgreen Gardens in South Carolina.

Note how several long white head plumes extend over the heron’s back.

Although they seem to have no neck, night herons actually have long necks just like other herons, but they keep them folded up and hidden away in their feathers.

If we think birds, we shall see birds wherever we go… you must have the bird in your heart before you can find it in the bush.

~ John Burroughs

Here are related bird posts to visit:

• Encountering Green Herons >>
• Long-legged Waders in all their glory >>
• Grub Hunters >>