Wildlife Feature | Black-crowned Night-Heron

The striking gaze of the Black-crowned Night-Heron cuts straight through the lens. With blood red eyes and a beak that resembles that of a plague doctor mask, this common bird may look menacing, but its quirky mannerisms tell a different story. Watch below as these beautiful birds learn to hunt, preen, and find that perfect itch.

Slavinski Photography_Black-crowned Night-Heron 5

Black-crowned

Night -Heron facts:

  • The Black-crowned Night-Heron inhabits warmer climates worldwide, ranging from North and South America, Europe, and Africa to Asia and the East Indies.

  • These birds are primarily active during the evening (hence their name), and they inhabit freshwater, saltwater, and brackish wetlands, marshes, streams, lakes, and reservoirs.

  • Adults possess entirely black bills, while juveniles exhibit yellow and black bills.

  • Their diet includes fish, krill, crustaceans, frogs, insects, small mammals, and occasionally small birds.

  • Although they typically hunt solo, Black-crowned Night-Herons nest together in colonies.

  • Some of these colonies have been known to remain together for over 50 years.

  • During the breeding season, a long, thin, white head plume appears on these birds.

  • A breeding Black-crowned Night-Heron will care for any chick placed in its nest, even those that aren't its own offspring.

  • Juveniles leave the nest at only one month old and aren't capable of flying until they are six weeks old.

  • In the wild, Black-crowned Night-Herons can live for approximately 20 years.

On any adventure, I bring along my trusty Fujifilm X-T3 with the XF100-400mm + 1.4x TC, which is securely fastened to my backpack using a Peak Design Capture 3.0 Camera Clip. This setup not only makes me more mobile but also enables me to act quickly when I spot wildlife. Depending on the situation, I switch between photo and video modes to capture a variety of media to share. While I would prefer to use a tripod for crisper content, it can limit mobility and result in missed opportunities.

The first photo below is likely one of my favorite photos I've ever taken. As a photographer, there's no better feeling than when a creature connects with your camera and offers you their best. Scroll through to see more Black-crowned Night-Heron photos taken throughout Southern California.

Nuccio's Nurseries | The Kings of Camellias

Nestled in the foothills of Altadena, California, a pair of modest brothers continue their family's ever-blossoming legacy, enriching the landscape, creating new flower breeds, and spreading their beautiful endeavors far and wide. Since 1935, the Nuccio family has provided flowers to their community and beyond. In 1946, they purchased the land where they have since hybridized over 150 different types of camellias and nearly as many azaleas.

Watch the video below as Tom and Jim, the owners of Nuccio's Nurseries, share the rich history behind their exquisite nursery:

Like bees gathering pollen from flowers, the Nuccios are constantly bustling from one location to another within their nursery. Jim even rises at 4:30 AM to begin work. Apart from our interview, it was difficult to catch a glimpse of them as they busily navigated their 6-acre lot. Both friendly and charming, they are always willing to pause for a chat and consistently smile throughout their hectic day. These men have genuinely found daily joy in their craft.

Tom Nuccio of Nuccio's Nursery.jpg

Tom Nuccio

Jim Nuccio.jpg

Jim Nuccio

If you're in the area and looking to add more color to your garden, don't hesitate to visit Nuccio's Nurseries. You might also consider stopping by The Huntington Library for inspiration, as they are cultivating approximately 100 of the brothers' flower breeds.

For more information please visit the Nuccio’s Nurseries website: https://www.nucciosnurseries.com/

Or visit them at their location: 3555 Chaney Trail, Altadena, CA 91001

 

Quick Snaps | Drew Seeley

Meeting in middle school chorus, starting our first band together, becoming roommates when I first moved to LA, co-writing on his first album - it’s undeniable that my friend Drew and I have shared creativity as an outlet together for a long time. So there’s no one better to begin sharing my photographic evolution into more portraits than with this talented dude.

X-T3 + XF50mm 1.0 | ISO 200 f/3.6 1/125

X-T3 + XF50mm 1.0 | ISO 200 f/3.6 1/125

I’m proud as heck of all he has accomplished - from singing, to acting, and now being an awesome dad. Through it all he’s also somehow managed to remain humble. He may not be a bird pic, but the dude sure is fly. He even trusted me to cut his hair for these shots ✂️!

X-T3 + XF50mm 1.0 | ISO 200 f/3.6 1/125

X-T3 + XF50mm 1.0 | ISO 200 f/3.6 1/125

X-T3 + XF50mm 1.0 | ISO 200 f/3.6 1/125

X-T3 + XF50mm 1.0 | ISO 200 f/3.6 1/125

The Fujifilm XF50mm 1.0 is a blast to shoot with - even in these harsh daylight settings. It’s no surprise that it’s crisp, clear and helps capture excellent colors when paired with the X-T3. I also use a B+W 77mm XS-Pro Digital Vario ND with Multi-Resistant Nano Coating. It certainly helped under the conditions.

If you’ve been following my work or if you’re new to visiting - I’m typically a wildlife photographer. I’ve had some opportunity in portraiture but the pandemic put myself and everyone I know away from people, so wildlife was an excellent way to maintain my chops. I have to admit though, shooting portraiture is much easier than shooting wildlife as the subject is more predictable. Now, there’s the next challenge - improving on this concept, creating an impact in portraiture, and creating moments that help define the subject.

X-T3 + XF50mm 1.0 | ISO 160 f/2.8 1/125

X-T3 + XF50mm 1.0 | ISO 160 f/2.8 1/125

Check Drew Seeley out on iTunes or Spotify for new music.



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