Just because it's a trek for some folks, I want to report that today, July 24, I observed the adult Little Blue Heron from 6:00-6:30 p.m. Junior must have been grounded (cavorting with Cattle Egrets?). I'd watched for an hour at mid afternoon with no luck and was delighted to scare up the LBH at the east end of the location to which it and/or the juvenile have returned regularly. The bird was actively feeding on frog legs (OK whole frogs) and smaller critters. It worked the east end pretty thoroughly. I also relocated the Snowy Egret in the same spot Dennis 1st saw it. It was very skiddish. The 1st time I stopped by the location it flew off right away. When I returned I parked further away and scoped from the far end of the wetland. I was able to note the pertinent field marks (it was standing on a mud flat so those bright yellow feet really contrasted with the dark legs. It spooked again so I left quickly. After having great close up looks at the Cattle Egrets (8 of them within 20 yards of the road) with Craig and Bob on Monday, I had to see if I could get the big numbers others reported. The cattle were far from the road, but surrounded by white. I was shocked to count 54 Cattle Egrets! I had to count twice! Wow!
Linda Sparling Hennepin County
