Reddish Egret or Little Blue Heron - Orange County CA - USA (1 Viewer)

[PONYRCR]

When I took this I thought it was a Reddish Egret. Two have been reported in the location.

Now there seems to be some question that this might actually be a Little Blue Heron.

I didn't see the bird hunting.

Photos taken today at Bolsa Chica Wetlands in Southern California

 

[njlarsen]

I am on the side of Reddish E for this one. Compare especially the bill with this photo.

Niels

 

[rjackb]

Reddish Egret. The leg color is a good clue.

 

[Matt_RTH]

The reddish is almost a sure thing at BC. But if interested, a little blue was reported at Del Ray Lagoon recently in LA but there are multiple reports in various locations in San Diego county and I was easily able to see one at Tijuana Estuary about 2 weeks ago. Check the San Diego birding group on Yahoo for more specifics.

 

[Gentoo]

The reddish is almost a sure thing at BC. But if interested, a little blue was reported at Del Ray Lagoon recently in LA but there are multiple reports in various locations in San Diego county and I was easily able to see one at Tijuana Estuary about 2 weeks ago. Check the San Diego birding group on Yahoo for more specifics.

I agree with Reddish Egret.

I see Little Blues everyday as there's an increasing number that nest inside Sea World where I work. They are now finishing their second brood this year. They are now the second more common heron in our park after the very numerous Snowy Egrets. It's speculated that these Little Blues may be the descendants of birds that were accidentally introduce by a small flock that escaped almost 20 years ago when we used to have herons in our collection. We're not sure though.