Black Crowned Night Heron Headshot

Photo I shot of a Black-Crowned (or Black-Striped) Night Heron in a local lake. Either this particular member of the species is unique, or the species designation is misleading, since the stripe down its back is clearly a vivid dark blue. Although this species of birds has been relatively common in Florida, it is more infrequently found in California, and it's rare to see one during midday in a local park, since as the bird's title indicates, they are usually active at dusk or dawn. This species is also among those diminishing rapidly due to the effects of increased human encroachment, pesticides, and climate change, among other factors. Within the foreseeable future, photographs may be all we have left of this beautiful species. These birds are strikingly colorful and unique, with the peculiar long white feather down their backs, like a headdress to attract a mate. The rare sighting and colorful contrasts made for an especially vivid and memorable image.
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