Tags
Black-crowned Night Heron, Ocean City Welcome Center, photography, postaday, red-winged blackbird, rookery
Black-crowned Night Herons are a major presence at the rookery next to the Welcome Center at Ocean City, NJ. These birds hunt for their food starting at dusk, and their eyes are one of their most noticeable features.
Despite their size these Herons are easily intimidated by the Red-winged Blackbird, a fierce defender of its territory. I saw a Blackbird chase a Heron into a tree.
Pursued by the Blackbird, the Heron tried to hide among the branches. Unfortunately, too many leaves shielded the small Blackbird from the camera.
DG MARYOGA said:
Extraordinary storytelling photos,Hien!I didn’t expect the beautiful Red-winged Blackbird to be so aggressive.Your shots vividly narrate the adventure of the Black-crowned Night Heron.Hope he managed to escape.
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neihtn2012 said:
The heron was unharmed, as long as he kept away from the Red-winger Blackbird. Thank you for commenting, Doda!
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DG MARYOGA said:
Great!In your second photo,which is a stunning profile portrait,its eye shows like a huge bead!
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quietsolopursuits said:
Great images of the heron! That’s another species of bird that I hope to see someday. The red-winged blackbirds are fearless, I’ve seen them attack eagles, deer, people, and cars.
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neihtn2012 said:
Oh my, cars too! I should be glad it has not attacked me, since sometimes I get very close to them. Thank you Jerry!
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bayphotosbydonna said:
The RWBs are quite fiesty this year with their territorial chasing! Great shots, Hien!
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Donna! I once saw one of them give chase to an Osprey.
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bayphotosbydonna said:
I wouldn’t doubt it, lol.
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Lignum Draco said:
Lovely series of captures. Did the blackbird catch the heron? 🙂
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neihtn2012 said:
Thanks! As soon as the heron got out of its territory the Blackbird gave up, and went back to watching for more intruders.
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dweezer19 said:
Love your little blackbird in there too. 😉
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neihtn2012 said:
Spunky RWB!
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dweezer19 said:
They sure are!
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Emma Cownie said:
I know it sounds daft, but I didnt expect to see herons in trees!
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neihtn2012 said:
Emma, they do nest in trees, like many other birds!
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Emma Cownie said:
I guess that because I have only ever see them wading in water.
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allentimphotos2 said:
Nice story. Thank you for insightful stories
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neihtn2012 said:
Glad you like it, Tim!
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de Wets Wild said:
One of the species we have in common, and your photos of it is absolutely fantastic, Hien!
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Dries!
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RV John said:
Don’t think I have ever visited a Rookery, but it looks like something I should do. I enjoyed your visit 🙂
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neihtn2012 said:
You may have a to find a lake or some body of water with lots of egrets and herons.
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Eliza Waters said:
David and Goliath! 😉
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neihtn2012 said:
Right! Thanks Eliza!
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