OK What is it? Black Point Drive, Florida (Page 2): Thank you. That's what I thought. But the Little Blue doesn't have plumes on the head and the bill is solid black.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

pmorin wrote:

I used the Merlin App and came up with this:

Perhaps the juvenile is showing The start of its adult Plumage

Thank you. That's what I thought. But the Little Blue doesn't have plumes on the head and the bill is solid black.

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

Retired CPO wrote:

Initially I thought this was an immature Little Blue Heron. But it's already bigger than a Little Blue and it has the plumes on the back of the head. It looks more like a Tri-Colored but the beak isn't right. Guesses?

Yup, definitely a juvenile Little Blue Heron. We have them near me, and I just love to watch them as they grow up and change color into adulthood. An image I took a few years ago:

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

MadMikeOne wrote:

Yup, definitely a juvenile Little Blue Heron. We have them near me, and I just love to watch them as they grow up and change color into adulthood. An image I took a few years ago:

Thanks, but I'm still not sure. Little Blue doesn't have plumes on his head like the photo. Doesn't have the all black bill. I can't see the legs, that would be a big help.

fergmark Loc: norwalk connecticut

This is puzzling. Just this past week I have begun going out, and am seeing a lot of Night Herons, which is sort of new here. They also have the very distinctive plumes. My searching found that the little Blue Heron's coloring and pattern matched well, but again without the plumes.

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Lastcastmike

Great shots of a beauty. Thanks.

CanonShot Loc: Lancaster County, PA

fergmark wrote:

This is puzzling. Just this past week I have begun going out, and am seeing a lot of Night Herons, which is sort of new here. They also have the very distinctive plumes. My searching found that the little Blue Heron's coloring and pattern matched well, but again without the plumes.

Fergmark, birding and things related to birding can be confusing at times. Take for instance, plumes vs. plumage. Many birds have non-breeding plumage that is quite different in color than the breeding season molted plumage.

Then, there are times when plumes can relate to various birds showing feather reactions to being in an agitated state. Since you specifically mentioned Night-Herons, I have attached to photos taken here in PA. When this Yellow-crowned Night-Heron gets agitated due to other nearby birds encroaching on their nestling location, their yellow plumage will stand straight up verses the relaxed, normal position. See if this provides some help in answering your thoughts.

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Lastcastmike wrote:

Great shots of a beauty. Thanks.

Thanks very much. I appreciate it. It's my pleasure to show my work to people who appreciate it.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

fergmark wrote:

This is puzzling. Just this past week I have begun going out, and am seeing a lot of Night Herons, which is sort of new here. They also have the very distinctive plumes. My searching found that the little Blue Heron's coloring and pattern matched well, but again without the plumes.

Yeah, and without the totally black bill. I'm running out of ideas. Maybe a hybrid as NMGal suggested.

blacks2 Loc: SF. Bay area

Excellent.

Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas

Very good set, Chief.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

blacks2 wrote:

Excellent.

Thank you, Mike

I appreciate it.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Earnest Botello wrote:

Very good set, Chief.

Thanks very much, Earnest.

delraypiper Loc: Delray Beach, FL

The problem with it being a little blue heron is the all black bill. The only wading birds with all black bills are egrets. Sure wish I could see his feet. Very interesting bird. Hope someone comes up with an ID. At present I think it looks like a hybrid of some sort, but I sure don't know just what.

John D

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

delraypiper wrote:

The problem with it being a little blue heron is the all black bill. The only wading birds with all black bills are egrets. Sure wish I could see his feet. Very interesting bird. Hope someone comes up with an ID. At present I think it looks like a hybrid of some sort, but I sure don't know just what.

John D

Yep, I agree. I also have a problem with the plumes. I'm going to go back and see if I can get one with his legs and feet visible.

bamfordr Loc: Campbell CA

kpmac wrote:

Possibly a leucistic Great Blue Hearon sub-adult? Nice captures.

My guess, too.