10 replies to this topic

[BirdingBlues]

These photos are from a video late September of last year - pics are very tough but I'm hoping it's enough for an ID. Salem, NH. Thanks in advance!

[TheBillyPilgrim]

Maybe an American Bittern? Was it taking off from the ground or from a tree? You almost never see them in trees, so that would help rule that out.

[Parula]

black vulture?

[BarnSwallow]

Legs are too long. My guess is one of the night herons.

[BirdingBlues]

If I remember correctly....I was floating down a stream and I had spooked him first from the ground where he then landed in a tree. As I was floating, it didn't fly off until I was directly below him. All I knew at the time is that it wasn't a Great Blue or a Green.

[TheBillyPilgrim]

If it perched in a tree, then I'd agree with Barn Swallow that its likely a night-heron. I'd guess Black-Crowned, as it looks kind of bulky.

[psweet]

Looks like a Night-Heron to me.

[Liam]

If it perched in a tree, then I'd agree with Barn Swallow that its likely a night-heron. I'd guess Black-Crowned, as it looks kind of bulky.

My thoughts exactly.

[BirdingBlues]

Thanks everyone - here's a shot of it from a distance in the tree. The more I look the more I see Black-Crowned. This pic might help clinch it - am I seeing the black crown in this slightly or is it me?

[Liam]

It's a juvenile Night-Heron as far as I can see. Adults would be pale beneath. Juvies don't have the black crowns. However, the stocky proportions suggest Black-crowned over Yellow-crowned.

[BirdingBlues]

Thanks Liam, and everyone else for their input. Either way, these are not seen often in this area. I imagine the small GBH rookery nearby attracted it.

I use eBird and I haven't seen any other Night Heron sightings in the immediate area - so this is cool...even if it was 9 months ago!