Saving the Black-crowned Night Heron
In New York Harbor, Black-crowned Night Herons nest alongside nine other wading bird species / AGAMI
CRITICAL DECLINE DEMANDS IMMEDIATE ACTION
The Black-crowned Night Heron (BCNH) has long been the most abundant wading bird in New York Harbor, seen hunched over ponds and fishing shorelines across the boroughs. But this is changing fast: analysis of our long-term Harbor Herons nesting survey dataset, published this spring in Conservation Science and Practice, shows a 55% decline since 2000 – a warning sign for the Harbor’s health.
As this beloved species faces alarming local population drops, potentially disappearing from New York City as soon as 2037, we are taking immediate action to save it: as we research the causes of its decline, we are pushing for Endangered status for BCNH in New York State, working with harbor partners on active colony management, and mobilizing New Yorkers to help protect the species before the window closes. We’re sounding the alarm to save this iconic bird, and we hope you’ll join us.
As this beloved species faces alarming local population drops, potentially disappearing from New York City as soon as 2037, we are taking immediate action to save it: as we research the causes of its decline, we are pushing for Endangered status for BCNH in New York State, working with harbor partners on active colony management, and mobilizing New Yorkers to help protect the species before the window closes. We’re sounding the alarm to save this iconic bird, and we hope you’ll join us.
VOICES FOR NEW YORK CITY'S HERON
In Queens: A few years ago, I caught sight of a vaguely familiar hunched figure on the shore and was amazed to see that it was a Black-crowned Night Heron. Like all birds, seeing it was a gift, but the heron brought a special sense of magic and wildness to that over-developed shoreline. It made me think of the true, now-hidden identity of our city as a natural landscape rich in a stunning variety of wildlife.
– Stephanie Beck, member
In Brooklyn: Almost every single day the past two summers, the Black-crowned Night Heron was the most reliable bird I would spot in Prospect Park, favoring the Lullwater just south of the bridge across from the boat house. Reliably at 5pm, there he would be. Unbothered. Majestic. Being large, somewhat exotic to those new to birdwatching in New York, and easy to spot during hours that most people are available, he's become the spark bird for more than one friend of mine.
– Joshua Multer, birder
In Manhattan: Some years ago, we were walking in Central Park and saw a spiffy looking, decent-sized bird, gray white and black, hanging out in its characteristic behavior of . . . doing absolutely nothing. My husband and I would be sad to see such a handsome bird leave NYC forever. We have a soft spot in our hearts for the Black-crowned Night Heron, and it has become part of our shared memories.
– Valerie Wald, program participant
YOU CAN HELP
Sight and Report
Have you noticed Black-crowned Night Herons in your local park?
Share Your Story
We want to hear from readers. Tell us why Black-crowned Night Herons matter to you!
Advocate
Sign our petition to call for New York State and City agencies to support conservation action.
Take action, lend your voice, and learn more at www.nycbirdalliance.org/nightheron.
Take action, lend your voice, and learn more at www.nycbirdalliance.org/nightheron.
