Here is a closer look at one of the gray ones. I like the black and white coloring on the head and the intensity in his gaze.
After spending some time with my favorite paper resource, The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of North American Birds, as well as a bit of time on whatbird.com I am pretty sure this is a Great Blue Heron. Click on the whatbird link above to see what I mean.
Is there any controversy this time or is my identification a good one? According to the Encyclopedia, there is also a white variety, so is that what the other big white birds are or are they gender differences? I will be looking to identify the little white bird right next to the heron soon, so if you have any suggestions, please leave me a comment, either here or on Twitter.
I have seen these kinds of birds in West Virginia.
ReplyDeleteIt is a type of crane.
They typically hang out in creeks and marshes feeding on small fish.
With its coloring, on the plumes, feet and neck, I'm thinking the little white bird is a Snowy Egret. It's a type of heron and likes to nest in colonies with similar birds, and it winters in Arizona.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog, by the way. Thought I'd do the same favor for you--especially since I love photography, though I'm not great at shooting birds; they move too quickly for me.
All my best,
Jackie
ForestWander Nature Photography:
ReplyDeleteSo you think the grey bird is a crane instead of a Great Blue Heron or the littler white one is a crane?
Jackie:
Snowy Egret...I will be sure to start there when I look closer at him.
Thanks to both of you for dropping by and leaving a comment.