Yellow Crown Night Herons Courtship

What an exciting moment it was when I came across this pair of yellow crown night herons during one of their courtships. It is difficult to capture these birds as they usually nest in very thick habitat that is almost impossible to capture them. Fortunately this pair was fairly close to the road. There is plenty of habitat but I wanted to post this anyway as this was the first time I had ever seen this type of behavior and perhaps you will find it interesting too.

Nikon D300
Nikon 300 mm F2.8
ISO 400
!/640, F8

All comments are appreciated.

Very nice capture of them in action. Despite all of the habitat, the behavior of the birds comes across strongly.

You're right, Judy. It's rare to be able to see this behavior. Was it in Ding Darling? BTW, congrats on having your cheetahs on the opening page of BPN and for being chosen for the NANPA publication.

Definately interesting! Good job seeing this and thanks for sharing it. Yes, congrats on the cover of BPN, love opening up this site and seeing it.

Thanks Susan !!! Yes this was taken just as you are leaving Ding Darling. They have it roped off for quite a distance and I was not sure why but later found out it was to protect the nesting birds. Sure do hope they have lots of chicks as there are several nests.

Good catch, I've seen the ropes but never the birds, maybe they were not close to the road when I passed.

And yes, the cover looks magnificent :) congratulations!

Great sighting Judy. You have done very well to show them both up amongst all that foliage. I love their big eyes. Well spotted and captured Judy.

Great behavior image!
I've only caught very obscured glimpses of this in the past ... thanks for sharing!
Looks like some fill flash may have helped a bit here.

I'll add my congratulations on the spectacular cover image!

I Iove the moment and the colors!!!

Judy-

You did well here in getting the birds with that habitat too.

These are some I have never seen in the wild.

Good go!