Yellow Crowned Night Heron Juvenile?

I am wondering if this bird is the same as the yellow-crowned night heron juvenile I thought I photographed on July 25th.  They like marshes and eat crabs, fish and small snakes.  This part of St. Mary’s County sounds ideal for them, but this is the first year I have seen one.  They are often nocturnal. I couldn’t see its feet to be sure.

Earlier photo on the lawn.

Great Blue Heron Visit This Week

Great Blue Herons can stay remarkably still till they go in for the kill.  They are very skittish around people, making them difficult to photograph if they see you.  They have amazingly curved necks and only weigh 5-6 pounds.  They have excellent night vision and don’t mate for life.  I love how fast and smoothly they glide through the air.

My favorite

Posing

Dinner

Yellow Crowned Night Heron Juvenile

I spotted a heron in Southern St. Mary’s County July 25th.  I don’t think a yellow crowned night heron is a common bird for this area, but it is in their range. Most photos I saw were from Florida and Texas.  We see lots of great blue herons and occasional green herons.  Elsewhere I have seen tri-colored herons.  I was surprised it wasn’t one of them.

Wildlife in St. Mary's County

I have heard that you can see more wildlife in the winter time when the trees don't hide the birds and deer.

Where are some of the good places to view wildlife in St. Mary's County?

I'm especially interested in bald eagles, whistler swans, blue birds and great blue herons this time of year.

I've mostly seen cardinals outside my house. I didn't even have to leave the comfort of my house. I knew there was a reason we put the bird feeder near a window! Here is my recent 3rd place winner from the St. Mary's County Camera Club recent competition.