A new kid in town

Sometimes the rainy nights at the beach yield the best surprises. I went down in the rain to check on the water (make sure it was still there). It was low tide and the gulls were sweeping by in the air clutching spider crabs and mussels. But there was a new visitor. I have never seen this bird before. I knew he wasn't an egret and the funny thing about him was that when he saw me, instead of flying away, he inched closer. Sorta like I looked like his mother or something. He was not afraid of me, but rather wanted to get closer. (I don't make this shit up.)He liked people. I moved closer to get a good look because I knew that later I would want to ID him him in my bird book. It was a Yellow Crowned Night Heron. Which explains what he was doing out at 8 p.m. He is a bird with a lot of personality! Smithtown Bay seemed to be taking a respite from all the boats, fisherman and beach goers tonight. I heard it heave a sigh and say, "Peace and quiet at last!"