Re: [Maine-birds] Re: Snowy egret x little blue heron hybrid

Thank you Derek for your insight! I am by no means an expert and was simply relying on the words of two fellow birders who happened to be view this beauty at the same time/location as me. It was my first time, that I'm aware of, seeing a hybrid such as this. I have updated my eBird checklist to reflect the accurate species. 

- Carly 

On Apr 16, 2019, at 2:15 PM, 'Derek Lovitch' via Maine birds <maine-birds@googlegroups.com> wrote:

Hi all,

In 2012, I found two juvenile egret/herons which - in consultation with several wading bird experts - concluded were Tricolored Heron x Snowy hybrids. With known LIttle Blue Heron x Snowy Egret hybrids from Connecticut, a combination of pattern, structure, and even behavior clues, we came to the determination of this exceedingly rare - and perhaps undescribed in the literature - species cross.

The next year, at least one returned in adult-like plumage and for several years afterwards, two birds returned to greater Scarborough Marsh. For at least the last 3 years, the photographed individual has returned, which I believe is the offspring of one of the original birds, likely a back cross with a Snowy Egret (I have heard suggestion of the Little Egret being one of the parents, but I don't know what evidence there could be to prove this short of a DNA test).

I had an exhaustive blog on a now defunct section of Mainetoday.com, of which I might still have the original text and corresponding correspondence. I'm currently out of town, but I will check when I get home. For now, there are several albums dedicated to this bird on our store's Facebook page (Facebook.com/freeportwildbird), and more photos in my current blog, Maine Birding Field Notes. (https://mebirdingfieldnotes.blog/) Search for "Tricolored Heron x Snowy Egret hybrid).

-Derek

Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 16, 2019, at 10:58 AM, S. Davis <kd7gxf@gmail.com> wrote:

I am guessing this is the same bird that has been coming back to Scarborough Marsh for the past few years. I think it was IDed as a Snowy x Tricolored Heron Hybrid. http://www.10000birds.com/snowy-egret-x-tricolored-heron-hybrid-at-scarborough-marsh-maine.htm

On Monday, April 15, 2019 at 12:08:04 PM UTC-4, carly....@gmail.com wrote:

Spotted yesterday behind the Pelreco building along Scarborough marsh. Great, close views - photos just added on eBird. Was viewed in a group of 6 snowy egrets. Black bill, black legs and feet, and bluish/grey and white coloring. Quite a sight!



www.carlyrodgers.com

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Carly Rodgers, Ph.D.

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