Sighting Record for Utah

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).