Most all of the United States during summer nesting. All year on the west coast of California and lower Oregon. Also, all year on east coast from Pennsylvania to South Texas, but also all of Louisiana, up the Mississippi Valley to Kentucky and most all of Texas.

Numerous in salt and fresh wetlands, even near suburbs. Active day and night but roosts in trees or scrubs. Fishes by still hunting.

Black back and crown, white under parts, narrow white plume on nape and is longest in breeding.

Immature streaked, second year darker

Up at sunrise and begin the drive north. I have been to all of the birding centers except one but have decided that since the last four have been visits without hardly any birds, then there is no sense in going to the last one of ten.

Instead, I head north out of South Texas and up the coast to Goose Island State Park where upon arriving at the park, I go directly to the shower facilities. Afterwards, I drive around to look for the whooping crane that are suppose to be here but can not find any to photograph. At four pm, I go to a nature talk and during the question and answer session, I ask where I may see a whooping crane. The ranger tells me that I should try by twelfth street early in the morning.