In Search of Herons with Ruby Red Eyes

When one is asked to name a heron found on Kiawah Island, often the first bird that comes to mind is the Great Blue Heron. Its large size and frequent appearances make it the obvious first choice. However, on the Island, we are fortunate to have many species of herons, including the Black-crowned Night Heron.

These birds are among the most common herons in the world – they range over five continents. Although a Black-crowned Night Heron may roost communally among a large group of wading birds, it can be overlooked. This is partly due to its small stature: it is a stocky bird of only 23 – 26 inches. Also, this heron prefers to perch under shady cover in marshes and ponds, so it may be difficult to see at first.

The adult and juvenile of the species look completely different. For nearly three years, the juvenile sports two-toned brownish beige coloring, with white interspersed. The eyes are yellow-orange, bill is yellowish, and legs are gray. This affords effective camouflage. On the other hand, the mature bird has a white body, grayish wings and tail, black cap, and neck with long white plumes at the nape. Unlike the juvenile, the adult’s eyes are a stunning ruby red. The legs and feet are usually yellow, but may be red during nesting season.

As a professional photographer, I spend countless hours in the field composing images in nature. Of particular interest are the wading birds; and Black-crowned Night Herons have often been objects of fascination. Their behavior makes these herons relatively easy to photograph. They are inactive during daylight hours, and they are slow, careful stalkers, remaining motionless for long periods. They prefer to hunt throughout the night and early morning.

It is possible to glimpse mature and immature Blackcrowned Night Herons at rookeries near sunset. The birds will normally be found on low tree branches that extend near the water’s edge. Binoculars are not essential, but recommended.

Island fishermen may find that they compete with the Black-crowned Night Herons at various fishing spots. This bird’s fishing technique differs from that of humans, but, nonetheless, it is quite effective. The herons tend to prefer a diet of small fish, frogs, and crustaceans. They have developed a technique called bill vibrating, which lures prey into investigating the disturbance. This allows the herons to grasp the prey with their bills instead of stabbing it – an approach utilized by larger herons.

In early January, I carefully observed and recorded the Black-crowned Night Herons at the pond in Turtle Beach. At that time of year, numerous egrets were roosting in trees along the pond, with a few Black-crowned Night Herons interspersed among them. The pond also had resident waterfowl, including the Hooded Merganser.

I particularly noticed the herons displaying territorial behavior different from anything I had previously witnessed. As male Hooded Mergansers swam into a shallow region near the trees, the Black-crowned Night Heron aggressively defended its territory. Instead of sitting calmly on the overhanging branch, the heron emitted a loud, harsh squawk, and flew down to drive away the intruders.

Biologically speaking, the Black-crowned Night Heron is an excellent indicator of ecosystem health. Surprisingly, it is documented that this little heron has even taken up residence in New York’s Central Park! On Kiawah Island it is safe to say that these herons are a stable and thriving species. While birding on the Island or elsewhere in the world, don’t miss this ruby-eyed heron.