I thought this was an American Bittern when I saw it take off, but in looking at the photos it looks more like one of the Night Herons. But I don't really know what it is.
I took the photos this morning (so not a juvi this time of year?). I was in the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge which has both salt and fresh water ponds. This bird was in a more inland fresh water pond if that makes any difference.
Patti
Second shot showing underwing.
Not a pro...but looks more like an American Bittern to me.
Black-crowned Night Heron, first-winter
Resin
see! oh well...
Key differences visible here are the eye colour (red in B-cNH, yellow in AB), head shape (big-headed in B-cNH, slender-headed in AB), and wing spotting (white spots in B-cNH, not in AB).
Resin
Oops. I guess I didn't hit send...
I wrote a reply yesterday before closing the thread, but it isn't here. Hmmm.
In any case, I will try again.
Thanks so much Resin, for the identification. And I appreciate all of the additional info too. Pointing out the differences really help so much in learning. I read as many of the other threads in this forum and learn a lot from your reasoning.
And thanks to N_56 too! I really thought Bittern, so it is nice to know I wasn't alone in that boat :O).
Patti
