Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Reddish Egret
Scientific name:	Egretta rufescens
Date:	5/4/2018 & 5/5/2018
Time:	5:55 PM/ 7:50 AM
Length of time observed:	Observed: 40 seconds/ 90 minutes
Number:	1
Age:	Juvenile
Sex:	unknown
Location:	Sand Hollow Reservoir
County:	Washington
Latilong:	37.101982 -113.373890
Elevation:	3000 feet
Distance to bird:	250 yards/ 30 yards
Optical equipment:	10x42 binoculars, 30-70x spotting scope, Nikon D850 with 420mm tele.
Weather:	clear/ clear
Light Conditions:	slightly hazy/ sunny
Description: Size of bird:	medium-large egret
(Description:) Basic Shape:	tall, slender heron
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	relatively dark gray overall
(Description:) Bill Type:	Long conical, fishing, bicolored (dark tip).
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Medium to large heron with long slender neck. Gray overall with some reddish tones. Bill had black tip. Grayish legs. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	N/A
Behavior:	Typical egret behavior- foraging along the shoreline. Occasional wing dance to get fish moving.
Habitat:	Reservoir- beach.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	No dark crown and uniform neck color eliminated Great Blue Heron. Gray legs, size, facial coloration, gray belly- eliminated Little Blue and Tricolored Herons.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	Have observed and photographed many Reddish Egrets in Southern CA, South Texas, and Mexico.
References consulted:	Sibley
Description from:	Notes taken at the time of the sighting From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Maurice DeMille
Observer's address:	260 N Main St, La Verkin, UT 84745
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	Steve and Cindy Sommerfeld, Rick Fridell, Seth Topham, Kevin Wheeler.
Date prepared:	9/10/2018
Additional material:	Photos
Additional comments: