Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2012-34
(Resubmitted as a Reddish Egret - Record
2012-50)
| Common name: |
Little Blue Heron |
| Scientific name: | Egretta caerulea |
| Date: | 9/9/2012 |
| Time: | 4:25 PM MDT |
| Length of time observed: | 7 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Adult |
| Sex: | Unknown |
| Location: | Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Stateline launch ramp |
| County: | Kane |
| Latilong: | Lat 37.00573, Long -111.49623 |
| Elevation: | 3623 |
| Distance to bird: | 50 feet |
| Optical equipment: | Zeiss 10 power binoculars |
| Weather: | Clear, wind 3 mph |
| Light Conditions: | Direct sunlight |
| Description: Size of bird: | Medium sized heron, smaller than a great blue heron |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Long neck, long legs, long bill |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Blue/gray |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Long bluish bill |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Medium size heron Blue/gray plumage Bluish bill Pale blue/gray legs (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | None noted |
| Behavior: | Perched on breakwater |
| Habitat: | On Lake Powell |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Similar species: Great Blue Heron The first thing that drew our attention to this bird was that it was too small for Great Blue Heron. As we passed by the bird in a boat we were going toward the sun so lighting improved. As lighting got better the colors of the bird seemed wrong for Great Blue Heron. We noted that the bill was not yellow. My wife remarked that there was no white plumage on the bird at all. The bird did not have a dark crown. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
My wife and I are river guides and see about 10 great blue herons every work day which we point out to visitors. We often maneuver our boats so visitors can photograph great blue herons. We have worked as river guides for over five years. We have no previous experience with Little Blue Heron. |
| References consulted: | Sibley |
| Description from: | From memory |
| Observer: | Gerry Nealon |
| Observer's address: | PO Box 2669, Page, AZ, 86040 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | Jennifer Nealon |
| Date prepared: | 9/10/2012 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional_Comments: | Five photos were taken. Two photos submitted. |