Bird I.D

[marc russo]

Hi guys, i was just walking though the bush at John Forrest National park and spotted this far up in the tree, looks like a nocturnal bird. Alomst like an owl but different head. Anyone know?

_MG_6357 by Marc Russo (Australia), on Flickr


_MG_6376 by Marc Russo (Australia), on Flickr

[Skidlid]

Hi Marc, I think it might be a juvenile Night Heron.

[marc russo]

I was thinking that but the night Herrons i have seen are peachy colour and have a long feather off the back of there head

[Alan]

Looks like a juvenile Nankeen Night Heron Marc. Edit, key word 'juvenile'

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ju...ight_heron.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nankeen_Night_Heron

[sejac]

No, it can't be a Night Heron. They're impossible to photograph. I know that from personal experience.

On further consideration .................. Oh yes, it does seem to be a Night Heron. Well done.

[Phoenix]

. at this thread. You have photographed the impossible!
Well spotted, I am surprised that the herons are so far inland. This is very very juvenile, think it's fallen from its nest.

[marc russo]

Gee what a fluke, seen adults very often while fishing in fremantle but never on in Perth hills 30klm inland. There may have been a nest above as what alerted me to look up was a load of bird crap on the ground in one spot, i thought to look up for a nest instead i see this guy. Hope he will be ok and hope he gets food from around that area

[P Plates]

Good capture - he certainly seems to be trying to tell you something in #2. Initially you'd think 'go away' but maybe judging by the above comments and how he shouldn't be in this area it was 'help - can you give me directions'.

[Earthmother]

It's definitely a Nankeen(also known as a Rufous) Night Heron. Quite young but he does look well fed.
Great capture.

[marc russo]

Glad to see its well fed and healthy. This was at John forrest national park. There is quite alot of water around there so im sure food must be around