Growing up #2

Cocoi Herons look quite different when they are young birds.

Cocoi Herons are frequently seen birds at the Kabalebo river. Solitary and quiet and at the same time walking quietly near the water in search of food. Sometimes they make this 'awful' sound whenever they are alarmed by our presence. I haven't spotted any Cocoi Herons nest nearby but it is quite certain that Cocoi Herons do nest. 
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A couple of years ago I photographed a juvenile Cocoi Heron near the pier.

It had rained a lot that day and parts of the airstrip area was covered in water. Close to the dense vegetation I spotted this large heron walking in the flooded area. Probably looking for some small fish or crab. As Cocoi Herons are seen on a daily basis, I first didn't pay much attention to its presence, but a closer look at these pictures reveals that it is actually a juvenile Cocoi Heron. One you won't see quite often.

The young Cocoi Heron has the same height and length just like the adult, but if you take a closer look you can also see that this one looks more grayish or duller.

Just like any young animal, this young Cocoi Heron also wasn't alarmed by my presence. Here you can clearly see that practically its entire body is 'covered' in grey color and that it lacks the black crest at the back of its head.

Here is an adult Cocoi Heron. You can see the immaculate white 'conquering' the grey color. Also notice the black crest behind his head too.

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