I’ve seen a bunch of these guys during my last few visits to Brazos Bend State Park, Texas. They also have nests in the oak trees in my mother’s front yard; every spring, one must be very careful where one steps in certain parts of the road under those trees in front of Mom’s house.
The thing about yellow-crowned night herons that draws my attention are their eyes. And they are great little posers.
The Sibley Guide to Birds says yellow-crowned night herons eat mainly crabs. This particular heron with its first summer plumage appears to prefer the large crayfish (aka crawdads or crawfish) inhabiting the park. Unfortunately for this guy, the paparazzi just wouldn’t let it eat in peace 
