I’ve wanted to see one of these birds for so long, and today’s the day. I’m in Brisbane for a few days. This morning early, I went for a walk along the river bank. This gorgeous Nankeen Night Heron was perched on the opening of a pipe in the river bank, poised to leap off and grab a fish or other unwary river dweller:

Another name for these birds is the Rufous Night Heron. This short video shows the bird’s environment: the river and its bank, and the runners pounding past on the riverside path above:

Here’s another view of the bird. I love the long dark plumes on the back of its head:

Common name: Nankeen Night Heron
Scientific name: Nycticorax caledonicus
Approximate length: 56-64 cm
Date spotted: 27 June 2025 (winter)
Location: Brisbane River, New Farm, Brisbane, Australia: 27°27’55.3″S 153°03’09.6″E