They say the most dangerous phases of human flight are the transition from air to ground and ground to air. In either case, airspeed is low, obstacles are many, and there is little room for correction. I wish I could remember if this Black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) was on the way up or down when I pulled the camera’s trigger. Either way, the awkwardness of the moment was captured.
Stocky and compact, these wetland birds are lovably goofy. With hunched shoulders, stubby bodies, and necks that fully retract into their chests in flight, they are visually deceiving. But don't let the clunky silhouette fool you; the night heron is a remarkably capable flyer.
Thinking of herons? Check out our post on the Grey Heron, the Defensive Vomiting Specialist.
Bible Land Explorers are headed back to Tanzania June 3-13, 2027. Lake Victoria, the Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, are on our agenda as we photo-hunt big cats, small birds, and everything in-between. We are now receiving early registrations for this exclusive small-group adventure. See the link here for brochure and more information or email us at BibleLandExplorer@gmail.com.
