Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens), Santa Cruz Flats, Pinal County

This Reddish Egret was found and photographed by Doug Jenness on 23 July 2020 and also photographed by Dave Stejskal on the same day.

Rare and increasing 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 is the seventh record from Pinal County.

A medium-sized heron. Juveniles/immatures have an overall odd, creamy dark gray coloration with patchy pale rusty tones to head, neck, breast and wings; dark legs and bill; contrasting pale eyes. The distinct pink base to the bill of this bird may indicate a second-year.

23 July 2020, photo by Doug Jenness

23 July 2020, photo by Dave Stejskal

 

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