Monday, May 29, 2017

Hello again: black crowned night heron spotted in Tompkins Square Park



An EVG reader shared the above photo from last night in Tompkins Square Park... the return of [an elusive] black crowned night heron!

This one, with the dark markings on its back, looks different than the one(s) spotted in previous years (here and here for instance).

Here's a photo of one from last June...right before it foraged the remnants of an Açai bowl blended with banana and apple juice and topped with strawberries and granola...


[Photo by Bobby Williams]

In previous years, the heron(s) returned to Tompkins Square Park in May.

And here's quick cut-n-paste heron refresher via the National Audubon Society:

Seen by day, these chunky herons seem dull and lethargic [ed note: gee, don't sugarcoat it], with groups sitting hunched and motionless in trees near water. They become more active at dusk, flying out to foraging sites, calling "wok" as they pass high overhead in the darkness. Some studies suggest that they feed at night because they are dominated by other herons and egrets by day.

Previously on EV Grieve:
The night heron apparently comes out at night in Tompkins Square Park

Elusive night heron becoming less elusive

Formerly elusive night heron makes triumphant return to Tompkins Square Park

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

So according the Audubon Society they are Cowardly Herons? they wont last to long in Tompkins Square.

Anonymous said...

Anyone know what time this was spotted? I keep going out to look, but have no luck.

Makeout said...

Why are they calling Wacky Wok?

Laura Goggin Photography said...

Arrg, I still haven't seen this!

Anonymous said...

What is the best pair of birdwatching binoculars to get?

Preferably something I can tuck in my jacket pocket and possibly fold, maybe one which takes photos.

Anonymous said...

Cry for the night bird.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kAsvqAZEIfs

Eden Bee said...

I've seen it. It was terrifying. It looked at me. I still haven't recovered. #doom

Anonymous said...

I think they are cute

Anonymous said...

He's evil. EVIL, I tell you.
If you see one, they steal your soul.