Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens), Peña Blanca Lake, Santa Cruz County

This Reddish Egret was found by Sally Johnsen on 22 August 2019 and photographed by Richard Fray on the same date.

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 individual was found dead on 24 August 2019.

A medium-sized 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.

22 August 2019, photo by Richard Fray

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