I just returned from viewing the reported Little Blue Heron at Chatfield Reservoir (Jefferson County). I'm very certain that the bird is a juv. Snow Egret for the following reasons:
1) Bird is in immaculate white plumage without even a hint of dusky coloration (not even the very tips of the wings) 2) The bird does not have a bi-colored bill. Little Blues (LBs) should sport a dark-er distal end of the bill with the base of the bill being pale. The Chatfield bird only shows the base of the lower mandible as fleshy colored. 3) The bird sports yellow feet and slightly duller yellow legs, LBs show greenish legs with no difference in color between the legs and feet. 4) The front of the Chatfield bird's legs are black. This is typical of a juv Snowy Egret. LBs legs are greenish all over. 5) Lastly, and even more obvious are the bright yellow lores on this bird. LBs should have grayish lores. For these reasons I believe the bird to be a nice study of a juv. Snow Egret. Sibley depicts this plumage nicely in his guide. My thoughts. Joey. Joey Kellner Littleton, Colorado -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
