He's back: The Black-crowned night heron

 

The black-crowned night heron has returned to Lake Nelson from his winter vacation. He's a full month later than last year. If he sticks to his schedule, he'll be sleeping all day for a while, coming out at dusk to feed and returning at dawn. When some chicks hatch, he'll start fishing in the day time. We are hopeful for offspring this year since we've seen another night heron flying with him at dusk. Last year, we did see a juvenile night heron.

We've also seen the green heron return, but he's much harder to find, keeps a less predictable schedule and is very shy so he's even harder to photograph.