Photo of the Day
two herons in a tree in Florida
February 21, 2016
A Peck on the Beak
Yellow-crowned night herons (Nyctanassa violacea) are usually dormant during the day, but Your Shot member Christine Sandberg caught these two apparent lovebirds in action one afternoon in a park in Pinellas County, Florida. “I noticed something different in their movements and behavior this day. I slowly approached them, they slowly approached each other up in the foliage,” Sandberg writes. “Suddenly—a touch from a beak, and the look of love in their eyes.”
Sandberg’s shot was recently featured in the Daily Dozen.
This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our storytelling community where members can take part in photo assignments, get expert feedback, be published, and more. Join now >>
Go Further
Animals
- Monarchs aren’t endangered, reversing last year's decisionMonarchs aren’t endangered, reversing last year's decision
- How New Zealand saved a flightless parrot from extinctionHow New Zealand saved a flightless parrot from extinction
- A humpback whale swam halfway around the world. His name is Frodo.A humpback whale swam halfway around the world. His name is Frodo.
- Meet the newest species of tarantula. It’s electric blue.Meet the newest species of tarantula. It’s electric blue.
- Ringling Circus is back—but this time, without animalsRingling Circus is back—but this time, without animals
- Bears at Disney World? Get used to it, experts sayBears at Disney World? Get used to it, experts say
Environment
- Ginkgo trees nearly went extinct. Here’s how we saved them.Ginkgo trees nearly went extinct. Here’s how we saved them.
- Can UNESCO safeguard the Okavango from oil drilling?Can UNESCO safeguard the Okavango from oil drilling?
- Initiating the butterfly effect for good
- Paid Content for Advertiser
Initiating the butterfly effect for good - Meet ‘Dogxim,’ the world’s first known dog-fox hybridMeet ‘Dogxim,’ the world’s first known dog-fox hybrid
- How to compost—and why it’s good for the environmentHow to compost—and why it’s good for the environment
History & Culture
- She designed gowns for Jackie Kennedy. Why was she kept a secret?She designed gowns for Jackie Kennedy. Why was she kept a secret?
- What made Oxford's medieval students so murderous?What made Oxford's medieval students so murderous?
- Who was Merlin the Great, really? Here’s the history.Who was Merlin the Great, really? Here’s the history.
Science
- Breathing in bad air can cause inflammation, research showsBreathing in bad air can cause inflammation, research shows
- Meet the rock guitarist who helped NASA land on an asteroidMeet the rock guitarist who helped NASA land on an asteroid
- What is stiff person syndrome—and how common is it?What is stiff person syndrome—and how common is it?
- This strange disorder has doubled since the pandemicThis strange disorder has doubled since the pandemic
Travel
- How travellers can join marine scientists in MozambiqueHow travellers can join marine scientists in Mozambique
- Himalayan hiking for beginners in India's Kumaon HillsHimalayan hiking for beginners in India's Kumaon Hills
- 10 practical tips to help you succeed as a travel photographer10 practical tips to help you succeed as a travel photographer
- National Geographic Traveller (UK) Hotel Awards 2023National Geographic Traveller (UK) Hotel Awards 2023
