Photo Series: A Pair of Black Crowned Night Herons Mating

Spring is in the air and mating season is upon us! The Black Crowned Night Herons, Nycticorax nycticorax, are in the midst of thier mating season. These Herons can be found mating between the months of November to August in colonies 20 – 40 ft above the ground. Black Crowned Night Herons have only one brood per year and can yield from 3 to 5 eggs per brood.

Friday, I was able to witness two Black Crowned Night Herons mating in the Oak Canopy that shades the SunCoast Seabird Sanctuary in Indian Shores, Florida. The two Herons began with a flirting ritual by touch bills. Then the male proceeded to climb on the back of the female. Then his crest begins to rise until it reached a peak as if in full state of ecstacy. Then shortly after his crest subsides and he climbs off her back onto an adjoining branch. Click on the Flickr slideshow below to view the photo series that was taken over a period of several minutes.

About Adventurous Barbara

Hello, I am Barbara Bowen of B A Bowen Photography and I have a passion for the outdoors. I enjoy bringing you high quality photos from the most pristine places of Natural Florida and other places I explore. I hope you enjoy my photos as I paddle down the crystal clear waters of Florida's natural springs in my Kayak or hike down an off the beaten path trail that has been untouched by human developement. I enjoy Florida wildlife, wildflowers, and natural scenes at their best and I certainly enjoy showcasing them for you! Thank you for visiting my site! If you have any questions about photos or are requesting Image Licensing, I can be contacted at: barbara@babowenphotography.com or at 1-888-685-7339 Images cannot be used without permission from photographer. All rights reserved.

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