Great Blue Heron, wild, at roadside

Guest - Oct 24, 2006 12:30 AM EDT
thanks for the interesting input/info, Vicki. Your book sounds like something I'd like to have. Must check around for one. Coincidence that you mention the cross breeding aspect, as that did run thru' my mind also, as have never seen these markings on the "great blues" that I've been taking images of for this past year or so. Thought it a good idea to put up this "front view" shot showing these markings

Guest - Oct 23, 2006 11:49 PM EDT
This is a great finale after his rather abrupt landing (gotta love it!). His chest colors are highly defined. According to the heron/egret book I broke down and bought last year, the long throat feathers indicate a mature bird and are more intense and thick during mating season. Unlike a Goldfinch male, which is brighter during the mating season, the Great Blue's only change is the amount of throat feathers (the white ones). Down south (i.e., here in FLorida) there are strong signs that egrets and herons aare beginning to cross-brered as their habitat declines. The unusual coloration on your bird makes me wonder if this might be a cross-bred Great Blue. Hopefully other birders may have some input here. A great photo, my friend.