No. Not attract it. Identify it. Well don’t feel bad if you can’t. It’s not something you’ll see on your feeder. Ever.
But it’s a looker isn’t it? Gray. 2’ tall. Blond streak on its crown. Elegant plumes. Orange eyes. Big black beak. White cheek stripe. Yellow legs. See what I mean? No female could resist? Maybe. You see males and females look exactly alike. [Also called sexual-monomorphism. As everybody knows :) ] But you would have to assume they can tell the difference.
Ready to make the call? If not I’ll tell you next time. : ) Can’t wait? Hover over the photo. (Or scroll to the bottom.)
Here are some more facts (free): they are extremely fond of crabs and other shellfish. They often feed nocturnally then sleep during the day (though not always). And they often nest in small groups. But again, not always.
Tough Night (roosting by day)
Sleeping Posture
Some migrate to South America in winter. Others, already in a warm climate, stay put (if there are enough crabs.) So when they come back north again to breed where do they go? Mostly to the southeastern U.S. But also to the Midwest, the eastern seaboard, the Mississippi valley, a few northern states. And...
San Diego. Apparently.
I took this photo at Ocean Beach.
Surprised? Me too a little. Well sort of. They’re not rare here. But uncommon. I have seen a breeding pair before including a nest with young near the Mexican border. Still I didn’t expect to see this one during the day at a busy beach.
They’re usually retiring. And prefer to forage in murky sloughs and marshes, often in half light or even dark.
So what’s it doing all the way out here on the west coast during breeding season? At a crowded beach. In broad daylight. Two or Three thousand miles from its normal digs and friends.
Let me put it another way....
Here it is visiting San Diego in June? Hanging out at the beach all day soaking up sun. Spending evenings looking for the best in fresh Pacific seafood. Why would it want to do that?
Well, who wouldn’t? : )
Notice: I can’t figure out how to write upside down so don’t look if you are still trying to ID the thing:
Yellow-crowned Night Heron
