Help ID - Two Different Heron Species: I am stumped trying to ID these two different Herons. Either there is a plumage difference or they are not included in my guides. Need some help.

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Help ID - Two Different Heron Species

Jul 29, 2013 20:43:58 #

Tom O Loc: Wisconsin

I am stumped trying to ID these two different Herons.

Either there is a plumage difference or they are not included in my guides.

Need some help.

Thanks,

Tom

American or Least Bittern ?

Green or Night Heron ?

Jul 30, 2013 06:32:38 #

gwong1 Loc: Tampa, FL

#1 American http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/american_bittern/id

#2 Not sure.

Any Audubon people where you live? Gary

Jul 30, 2013 08:48:34 #

Tom O Loc: Wisconsin

Gary,

Thanks for your help.

I pegged #1 as an American Bittern but so many people have reported seeing Least Bitterns (with no mention of seeing Americans) in the area I shot this guy in that I was beginning to doubt my ID.

No 2 really stumps me and I will check with some Audubon people or DNR folks.

Thanks again,

Tom

Jul 30, 2013 13:52:57 #

gwong1 Loc: Tampa, FL

Let me know what you find. Gary

Jul 30, 2013 17:38:11 #

birdpix Loc: South East Pennsylvania

The first is an American Bittern. The posture and the coloration especially of the back are diagnostic here as is the dark malar stripe. The second is a Green Heron, juvenile. the reddish shoulders and the slight crest are good identifying marks.

Nice photos!

Jul 30, 2013 20:37:37 #

Tom O Loc: Wisconsin

Thanks again for your help.

#1 shot on my T2i in June and #2 on my new 7D yesterday!

Tom

Jul 30, 2013 23:03:24 #

birdpix Loc: South East Pennsylvania

Tom O wrote:

Thanks again for your help.

#1 shot on my T2i in June and #2 on my new 7D yesterday!

Tom

Tom, Both photos appear to be fairly significant crops and show plenty of noise. What were your settings and what lens were you using? What are you using to post process them?

The American Bittern usually stays in the dense reeds and you were lucky to catch one out in the open. They stand with their head help up just like in your picture trying to look like a reed. The stripes on the throat help with the camoflage. If there is a breeze, they will even sway with the reeds hoping a predator will not see them.

The Green Heron is distinguishable because of the green color of the back and rufous color of the nape and shouldres. I can tell it is a juvenile bird because the throat is striped and the feathers that you can see along the sides, the tertials and coverts have distinct white edges.

Jul 31, 2013 14:52:26 #

Tom O Loc: Wisconsin

birdpix wrote:

Tom, Both photos appear to be fairly significant c... (show quote)

EXIF

The American Bittern;
- Taken 6-3-13
- Canon T21 and a 100-400 L lens
- Location - Horicon Marsh NWR, WI
- ISO 800
- @ 400mm
- 0 EV
- f/16
- 1/250

The immature Green Heron;
- Taken 7-29-13
- Canon 7D and a 100-400 L lens
- Delafield,WI - Lake Nagawicka
- ISO 800
- @ 330mm
- 0 EV
- f/5.6
- 1/2000

Each photo has been cropped about 50%.

The 7D has been set per recommendations and I use iPhoto for pp.

Thanks,

Tom

Aug 5, 2013 22:22:27 #

jrb1213 Loc: McDonough GEorgia

Tom O wrote:

Thanks again for your help.

#1 shot on my T2i in June and #2 on my new 7D yesterday!

Tom

Big jump to go from a 2i to a 7D, now start saving for the f2.8 L glass or that 500mm you "need"

Aug 5, 2013 22:35:19 #

Tom O Loc: Wisconsin

jrb1213 wrote:

Big jump to go from a 2i to a 7D, now start saving for the f2.8 L glass or that 500mm you "need"

I'll show this email to my wife to prove to her what I have been telling her along !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tom

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