I love taking pictures of my backyard birds, but I also enjoy getting beyond the backyard – and one of my favorite places to go is Cochran Shoals. This park has a path that is sandwiched between the Chattahoochee River on one side and a series of trails that meander through swamps and tree-filled fields on the other side. You never know what you’ll see when you visit, but you never come away disappointed.
Earlier this week, my daughter and I paid a visit to this nature lover’s paradise. We enjoyed visiting with some Mallards, an Indigo Bunting, and a Great Blue Heron who was standing on his skinny legs in the center of the river, patiently waiting for the right moment to spear a fish, but the highlight of the morning was coming across this Yellow-crowned Night Heron.
Isn’t he amazing? He looks like a crime-fighting superhero with a bit of a dark side.
A fellow photographer had spotted him and waved us over to get some shots. (May I just pause and say that I have found that a sweet camaraderie exists among nature photographers; the joy of discovering beauty seems to be enhanced by the joy of sharing it.) As I stood and watched this handsome Heron, something in the murky water caught his attention, and with a quick step and a flutter of the wings, he went to investigate.
Steadily he crept along, one foot slowly following another.
He seemed unconcerned about our presence, but when two rather boisterous ladies came along and (loudly) asked about him, he turned around and headed to a less visible area.
I was so blessed that the friendly photographer shared the beautiful bird he encountered with us; and I am doubly blessed to get to share it with you. 🙂
Backyard Bird Nerd 
What a thrill, Kathy! And your sequence of photographs are exquisite!
It truly was a thrill. 🙂
Beautiful! It is so lovely when nature is shared in one fashion or another. It is meant to be enjoyed and treasured.
Agreed!
Wonderful post. Friendly trail encounters enhance the whole experience and memory.
They do indeed! 🙂
wowzers – what a stunner he is! my jaw dropped open. How fun for you to get to see him – and thanks for sharing him with us!!
I find him so interesting looking!
Wonderful series of images of the Handsome Heron. Thank you for sharing them with us.
It was such a treat to have a photo shoot with this fellow!
Blue herons are nesting now in the trees on the campus of Rice University.
It always amazes me how little these big birds actually weigh!
I have also found that photographers are willing to share, including tips on good locations for bird photography.
It is indeed a friendly community. 🙂
He is a beauty, wonderful photos. I too appreciate the generosity of fellow photographers, sharing discoveries.
It’s like we’re a part of a fun club!
Love the colors and markings of this bird! Stunning photos, Kathy! 😃
Gracias chica. 🙂
Tip offs and shared experiences with other birders does make the appreciation all the sweeter
Beautiful photos and the story behind it. Yes, sharing the joys of discoveries makes it much more rewarding:)
🙂
What a gorgeous set of photos, Kathy!!
I have only seen a Night Heron a couple of times, so this was a treat for me!
Great pictures of a fabulous bird.
Lovely images of this beautiful bird! I am so lucky to have them at the marsh here too, although they typically hunt late in the evening so day-time action, like what you captured here so well, is rare.
I was thrilled to get to hang out with him for awhile. 🙂
Beautifully captured