Melinda Hom

Stanford note: Melinda Hom wrote, "Typically in our area, Black-crowned Night-Herons are tucked away in marshes such as those in the nearby Palo Alto Baylands. However, for the past two years, my colleagues and I have been enjoying a closer view from the 3rd and 4th floors of Sweet Hall across from Meyer Green. (The birds may have used the trees before the library demolition opened up the area.)

The birds are roosting in the Eucalyptus trees right outside our windows, as close as 30 feet away and at eye-level, which is a rarity. Our windows are darkened, so the birds are generally unaware of our presence. Last March, we saw three juveniles at one time while sitting at our desks. Since mid-February, we’ve been watching an adult and a juvenile. (It's now mid-March.)

Science Art note: Night-Herons are social (often seen in groups), and often spend their days perched on tree limbs or other foliage, but Melinda Hom's report of roosting is a first on campus.

These birds, as their name suggests, are more active in the evening and at night when they forage. Here on campus, you might see them foraging in the grass between the Oval and the Quad beginning at dusk.