Nighttime on Sarasota county's coasts can be magical. Life, sounds and light changes as do thoughts, combining art and nature. So elegant it is called the Yellow Crowned Night Heron, this royal hunter preys on tidbits against a Van Gogh starry night. The Starry Night features short, painterly brushstrokes, an artificial color palette, and a focus on luminescence. Indeed, this Night Heron can appear luminescent as it stands stoically and bright-eyed for the next crustacean. It will also hunt crayfish, frogs, small snakes, tadpoles, aquatic insects, and snails. Their regal grey/blue coat, accented by their red/orange eyes set off their long crown feathers which cascade down its head and neck.

Yellow-crowned night herons are mainly nocturnal, but sometimes will seek food during the day. The birds’ foraging behavior is based around a slow, stalking movement as they search in the shallow water for prey. When they find a prey item, they strike quickly, crushing it in their wide, stout beak. These birds typically forage alone, despite living in colonies.

Yellow Crowned Night Heron were introduced into Bermuda in an attempt to control land crabs, which was successful. That gives 'em something to "squawk" about... which is, actually, the birds' nickname, "Squawk". Once you hear them, you'll know why.