Ormond Beach has been home to countless vacations for me and my family
Ormond Beach, Florida has been the home to countless vacations for me and my family. Matt has even joined for some vacations there. It's a great place nestled just north of Daytona Beach that has an expansive beach and small crowds. Whenever I'm there I like to go for morning runs on the beach. As the sun comes up, I can soak in the early morning rays and see the unique wildlife that is out at that time--whether that be crabs, turtles, or birds (like the heron seen here).
I took this photo this past summer on one of these runs. The bird was going about its typical wading behavior, looking for the next fish to eat. I enjoyed getting in close and framing the silhouetted bird with the sunrise. The golden color of the sun and the clouds are actually the same color as the crown of this heron!
The yellow-crowned night heron is one of two nights herons. It is easily identified by the yellow crown extending from the back of the head. The adult bird looks quite contrasting to the juvenile. Juvenile yellow-crowned night herons are brown throughout and lack the yellow crown. They are relatively short-legged for a heron with a thicker neck than most.
The average yellow-crowned night heron is about two feet tall and weighs just under two pounds. They spend their days in and around shallow water stalking their prey. They are solitary birds, and they mainly eat crustaceans.
Juvenile yellow-crowned night herons are brown throughout with streaks of white
This night heron suffers threats due to habitat loss
This bird can be found throughout the southeastern United States, and their population extends south along the coasts of Mexico. They can predominantly be found on the beaches and shallow water areas of Florida.
Although this night heron is listed as a species of "least concern", they do suffer threats due to habitat loss. Throughout their range, their habitat has been declining. Join Wild Boyz Photography in supporting VINS, and do what you can to protect bird populations.
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[…] are many other species of birds that like to hang out around Ormond Beach. I'll see plenty of yellow-crowned night herons. Sandpipers, plovers, and gulls are very common. Brown pelicans also spend much of their time […]