Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2006-02


Common name:

Little Blue Heron

Scientific name: Egretta caerulea
Date: 13 Sep 2003
Time: about 9 am
Length of time observed: 15 minutes
Number: 1
Age: juvenile
Sex: ?
Location: south aiprort dyke, Provo City Airport
County: Utah
Latilong:  
Elevation:  
Distance to bird: about 50 feet
Optical equipment: 7 x 35 binoculars
Weather: clear, calm
Light Conditions: bright morning
Description:        Size of bird: about 2 feet tall
(Description:)       Basic Shape: looked like a heron or egret
(Description:)  Overall Pattern: totally white, except for quite green legs
(Description:)            Bill Type: like a heron
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
I had never seen a totally white "wader" with green legs before; it took me quite a while to discover that the only such thing in my guide was the little blue heron juvenile. The bird had the
shape of a snowy egret, only larger, and no frilly feathers, sleek overall.
Song or call & method of delivery: none heard
Behavior: standing on the rocks at the water's edge, as though watching for food
Habitat: edge of the "moat" surrounding the airport
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
The key was the green legs. No other bird in my guide has them.
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
I've been watching great blue herons and snowy egrets all my life. I've seen the great egret and the green heron on trips to the east coast. I quickly puty this bird in the same category, but the green legs had me stumped for a while.
References consulted: Sibley, The Sibley Guide to the Birds (NAS)
Description from: Notes taken at time of sighting
Observer: Lynn Garner
Observer's address: 681 E 3230 N  [Provo?]
Observer's e-mail address: kayenlynn@comcast.net
Other observers who independently identified this bird: none
Date prepared: 16 Jan 2006
Additional material:  
Additional comments: I had recorded the date and time, and clearly remember the location and the way the bird looked. I'm only reporting it now because I just learned that such reports are being sought. I can go back and get the latilong and altitude (I now have a GPS).