A Yellow-crowned Night Heron was seen on the snag in the center of the Wetlands on Friday (5/27/11). To my knowledge this the first heron of this species seen at the Museum. It was probably on migration and was brought down by the severe thunderstorms of the day.
A Black-crowned Night Heron in immature plumage was seen in the Wetlands in May of 2008 and was in the area for a couple of days.
I would have gotten a photo of the yellow-crowned but it was very wet and, more importantly, a bolt of lightning struck directly behind us while we (Kristin, Sara, and three Museum Guests) watched the bird. Needless to say, we all scurried for cover.
I’ve heard this has been a very good year for YCNHs in the triangle. They’re apparently all over the waterfowl impoundments in Chapel Hill and southern Durham.
or did I see a b-c night heron???
The one that you saw was a Black-crowned Night Heron, the same one mentioned in the Journal.
Hey Greg,
I am pretty sure I saw a y-c night heron before- center island, a couple years ago. I took a picture. I was so amazed this big bird I had never seen before. My photo looked like a dot, otherwise I would share.