earth to holly

Spotted yesterday in Brenman Park, I believe this is the Great White Heron,* just another addition to the heron sightings in Northern Virginia. Go here to see the Great Blue Heron and the Green Heron.

*Correction: Great Egret

Because of a few comments that suggested I might have an egret here, rather than a heron, I consulted my National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America–probably where I should have gone in the first place. Anyway, egrets belong to the herons and bitterns (Family Ardeidae), and according to the field guide, the Great Egret is:

Large white heron with heavy yellow bill, blacklish legs and feet.

And how convenient…I just happened to get a shot of his feet! So, going on this, as well as a few other bits of heron and egret info, I’m gonna say that this is most likely a Great Egret. Thanks go out to Lana and DK Miller for the heads up.