A yellow-crowned night heron walking gracefully on a faded red handrail at the Murfree Springs wetlands in Murfreesboro, Tn. Yellow talons grip the rail and it's walking to the right of the frame.

The heron's right foot has slipped from the handrail, and it has its wings extended to help regain balance. The yellow plume has risen behind the heron's head, and the bird's beak is slightly open, as if muttering, "What just happened?"

In this third photo, the yellow-crowned night heron's legs are extended down on either side of the handrail, with wings extended and yellow plume rising up from its head. The bird is facing the camera, with torso on the handrail and legs straddling the railing on either side. It's hard to know if birds get embarrassed, but this one's expression seems to be the very definition of "Geez... what else can go wrong?"

Herons are usually so elegant and graceful. Usually. This yellow-crowned night heron was trying to walk toward me on a handrail when something embarrassing happened.

We've all had days like this...

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