YELLOW CROWNED NIGHT HERON 

The Yellow-Crowned Night Heron is one of the most striking figures of the marsh-regal, poised, and wonderfully mysterious. With its slate-blue feathers, bright golden crown, and deep red eyes, this nocturnal hunter seems almost sculpted by moonlight. Often found in coastal marshes, tidal creeks, mangroves, and wetlands throughout the southeastern United States, these herons spend their evenings stalking their favorite prey: crustaceans, especially blue crabs. Did you know that Yellow-Crowned Night Herons have evolved extra-thick stomach linings so they can swallow hard-shelled crabs whole? Their patient, deliberate movements and twilight habits make encounters rare and unforgettable-perfectly suited to a painting that celebrates their quiet, dignified beauty.