The Rackliffe family in Barrington was treated to a special bird-sighting last week: A yellow-crowned night-heron standing in their yard. 

The Rackliffes live on Old Chimney Road in the Hampden Meadows section of Barrington. Shortly after they noticed the bird, they snapped some photos of it.

“We believe it to be uncommon in this area but may reach out to the Audobon society for more info!” Wrote the Rackliffes.

According to Audubon.org, the yellow-crowned night-heron is quite common in parts of the southeast United States, particularly in coastal regions. But it is a rare visitor to the northeast.

“In late summer, a few wander far to north,” stated the website.

The yellow-crowned night-heron is one of two night-herons found in the U.S. It often feeds by day as well as by night.

“Its stout bill seems to be an adaptation for feeding on hard-shelled crustaceans — it is called “crab-eater” in some locales,” stated the website. 

In addition to crabs and other crustaceans, its diet also includes mollusks, frogs, insects and fish.

The bird was introduced to Bermuda to bring land crab populations under control.