Unknown Visitor

We noticed this bird fishing in our nearby canal. We have never seen one like this before. Can you tell us what it is?

—Stacey Whiting, Rupert, Idaho

George:The fisherman is an adult black-crowned night-heron, a common wetland resident of your region. This bird is mostly nocturnal, and it often begins its search for food at dusk. It is found primarily along rivers, lakes and marshes, where it fishes for food. During the breeding season, it has a long plume growing from its head and stretching over its back.