As the nesting Herons get smaller in size the degree of difficulty catching them in flight goes up. And yes, they are faster. However they have another trick, erratic flight.

Black-crowned can make a tiny shift in their wings and that’s the end of your focus. They twist in flight, even if heading to a spot straight ahead.

This bird gave me a break and flew right past.

Black-crowned are among the last of the wading birds to breed. Even with this ‘longer’ season end of June should see rookeries empty.