ML266547981

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

I noticed a lady taking a picture of Mill Pond with her cell phone (non birder) and when I drove by I realized she was photographing the 26 Great Egrets. I turned around to pick through them with hopes of finding something interesting. While looking through I noticed a bird with a large split bill. I then looked at the legs and noticed they were not black but dirty yellow. The bird stood a bit taller and looked a little heavier. I then went back and forth looking at the greats and realized this bird was different. I then called and texted local birding friends Ryan MacLean, Stefan Martin, Cynthia Ehlinger, and Will Schenck to tell them of my observation. At this time I knew the bird was of interest but not I didn't have it pinned for a Great "White" Heron. Not being 100% confident on Great Egrets ages, I wanted to make sure this wasn't a young bird throwing me for a loop. I ruled out Little b/c of size and Reddish but I still didn't have my answer. I took lots of cell phone pictures through my binoculars. Not getting any response, I went and grabbed coffee. Not looking at my phone for almost an hour I then noticed I had 25 text messages. Ryan and Stefan both said they were racing to the location because it looked good for Great "White" Heron. We then met up and relocated the bird. The bird was then observed throughout the day by many TRISTATE birders.

Technical information

Original file size

3.62 MB