Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens), Roosevelt Lake, Gila County

This Reddish Egret was foud and photographed by Tommy DeBardeleben on 23 August 2018

Casual summer/fall visitor in Arizona. Nearly all records pertain to juveniles and are likely from nesting areas along the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California) in Mexico. This has been a good year for the species in Arizona with at least 8 documented. This appears to be the second for Gila County.

A medium-sized heron, larger than Snowy Egret but much smaller than Great Blue Heron. Juveniles have an overall odd, creamy dark gray coloration with patchy pale rusty tones to head, neck, breast and wings; dark legs and dark, long straight bill; contrasting pale eyes.

23 August 2018, photo by Tommy DeBardeleben

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