In late July, as we drove slowly down the road at the wildlife refuge, I was excited to spot an adult Yellow-crowned Night-Heron walking around on the floor of the swampy woods.  It was quite shy, staying close to the cover of trees and vines as protection from prying eyes.

In early August, when we drove this road once again, we glimpsed the shadow of a large bird as it took flight from the forest floor and settled in a distant tree.  This time it was a juvenile Yellow-crowned Night-Heron.  With its spotted brown feathers and streaky underparts, it did an excellent job of blending in with the background of the branches and foliage.  Had I not seen where it landed, I’m sure I wouldn’t have been able to find it among the trees.

“Scientists have found the gene for shyness. They would have found it years ago, but it was hiding behind a couple of other genes.” ~Jonathan Katz