This bird is in the heron family, and a declining species, given a loss of its favorite, marshy habitat. It is 28" tall and its vertical striping helps it blend with the reedy background. There is a small population at Shollenberger, and one or more can often be seen near the entrance in the early morning, fishing in the freshwater channels. In the late spring the male sounds its unusual mating call, which sounds like a broken water pump, but it is unclear whether they breed in or about the park.

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