Black-Crowned Night Heron Along Fort Macon Nature Trail

A Black-Crowned Night Heron, Nycticorax nycticorax, is perched in a dead tree along a,nature Trail in Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. These birds are stockier than the more common Egrets and Herons most envision. They have shoter bills, necks and legs. Night Herons are a bit more elusive and mysterious than their long-necked cousins. They feature a gray body, black wings and a black "crown" on the top of their head. They have distinctive, red eyes.

This mature adult was photographed along the Elliot Couse nature trail in Fort Macon State Park. This 3.5 mile hiking trail pass through maritime forest, salt marsh and dunes. One of the primier attractions along the Crystal Coast, in addition to wildlife viewing the park features hiking, swimming, and surf fishing. There is also a civil war era fort open for touring.