The plumage of pond herons

The different plumage of pond herons. One of the challenges, and interesting things, about identifying animals is how much they can change, due to seasons, or in this case breeding plumage. This is of course the Chinese pond heron.

But, look at the difference....the shot above was in Mai Po in April, in breeding plumage... but the one below is its normal plumage, taken at Tseung Kwan O.

And again, this one below taken in Mai Po.

Here are some more shots taken from the hides in Mai Po in April.

the bat heron....just seeing if anyone scrolls this far down...

It still has those distinctive white wings when flying.....