Black-crowned Night Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax Mar–Oct

Another stocky heron that tends to keep its head tucked close to the body, this bird is active at night and early in the morning. It has red eyes and noodle-like skinny plumes that sprout from the back of its head during mating season. Often perched on tree branches near water, they can stay still for long periods and produce a squawking single note call that is repeated, sounding something like a barking dog. Keep an eye out for them around Brickyard Pond.