Most of the Herons (and Egrets since they are actually a Heron), have a mating display/dance of some type. Great Egrets are elaborate dancers, the big Herons are more noise.
Black-crowns have long mating feathers along their shoulders and back that can be pulled forward to stand almost straight up. This is a fun display to watch as they bob up and down. Of course actually getting a clear view in their hidden rookeries is the real challenge.
Below I was lucky to find an opening in the leaves to capture a small piece of this dance.
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Dancing Black-crowned Night Heron
Dancing Black-crowned Night Heron
Dancing Black-crowned Night Heron
Dancing Black-crowned Night Heron
Black-crowned Night Heron, Port Royal, South Carolina.
Fun behavior to catch on “film”.
I’m not a video person. I’ve gone out, and even had a short made of my wife and I, with pro’s. Way too much edit work for little gain…my opinion 😁😁
I agree, that’s why I stick to single frame “film” for the vast majority. Though I did stumble through a brief gull video sequence that may, or may not, be in a future post.
I didn’t know they are great dancers. I think the night Heron displays his feathers beautifully. Great photos!
Thanks. They also make soft calls while they dance. Because people don’t get see this I forgot how great they can be.