AdamM Posted May 31, 2021 Share Posted May 31, 2021 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 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Posted May 31, 2021 Share Posted May 31, 2021 Welcome to Whatbird! Green Heron.https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Green_Heron 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Bird Nuts Posted June 1, 2021 Share Posted June 1, 2021 (edited) Yep, Green Heron! They have a pretty distinctive coloration. Edited June 1, 2021 by The Bird Nuts 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean C Posted June 1, 2021 Share Posted June 1, 2021 agreed 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Spencer Posted June 1, 2021 Share Posted June 1, 2021 13 hours ago, AdamM said: 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 That's an excellent desciption! I suspect many who responded were pretty sure it was a Green Heron before they saw the phoot. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.