Hello! We're having trouble identifying this bird that we saw on a walk today (31MAY), and would appreciate any help.
Identifiers and other information:
Cape Cod, MA, USA
Sandy/marshy edge of kettle pond (small lake) surrounded by protected forest land
Early afternoon, overcast and damp, but not actively raining, late spring (31MAY)
Long, straight beak - a bit longer than head (but not as long as head combined with very long neck)
1-1.5ft tall including neck
Distinct crest on head, possibly rectractable (poor quality picture linked below does not show crest)
Wingspan also 1-1.5ft, solid gray wings
Bright yellow/yellow-orange legs
Mostly brown (brown-black?) solid colored body and neck - no obvious white or other streaks
Quick runner over short distance - eventually flew across lake only a foot or two above the surface.
Image: https://pasteboard.co/K4upQaw.jpg
