The Weekly Chirp: Yellow Crowned Night Heron

This past weekend, the Devil’s River Conservancy sponsored a clean up of the San Felipe Creek in Del Rio.  There were about 25 or so volunteers, and you would not believe the amount of trash that was collected!  The water was of various depths and various currents, which added to the fun, as I’m always up for a cool dip (or slip)!

Over the course of my trek, I spotted an adult Yellow Crowned Night Heron, as well as a fledgling!   As with most Herons, they stand tall in the marshes, absolutely still, focussed, necks stretched, and bill pointed ready to pierce an unsuspecting fish.

You can tell so much about a bird by the shape of his bill, legs, feet and his behaviour. We’ve talked about the Flycatcher behaviour.  Now, this is Heron behaviour which includes the Great White Egret and the Great Blue Heron you see fishing in our shallow wetlands.  

The Yellow Crowned Night Heron is a smaller Heron standing at about 22”.  He blends in quite well with his environment …shallow streams, moss, vegetation on the banks,etc…….you might not even notice him. Nonetheless, look at that striking face! That face will turn up in your memories, it's quite amazing!