19th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Black-crowned night heron takes flight on the Washington Channel.

There is an abundance of wildlife on the Potomac, even in the most urban of environments. We captured this black-crowned night heron while kayaking just north of the DC Wharf. It took flight in the direction of the Smithsonian Castle. We assume it had its eye on the Mary Livingston Ripley Garden.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 05.2021
Date Uploaded: 11.2021
Photo Location: Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
Camera: NIKON D5300
Copyright: © Richard Russell