Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 201
2-50


Common name:

Reddish Egret

Scientific name: Egretta rufescens
Date:  9/9/2012
Time: 4:25 PM MDT
Length of time observed: 7 minutes
Number: 1
Age: Immature
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 Reddish Egret.
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: 11/27/2012
Additional material: Photos
Additional_Comments: Five photos were taken. Two photos submitted.