Common NameCattle Egret
Scientific NameBubulcus ibis
Type of ReportOut-of-Season
Date of Observation11/13/2021
Media
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Number Observed1
Reporting Observer's NameDavid Guertin
Mailing Address1599 Route 30
Cornwall, VT 05753
US Minor Outlying Islands
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EmailEmail hidden; Javascript is required.
Date Completed01/28/2022
Latitude of Observation (enter 0 if unable to provide)44.0852885
Longitude of Observation (enter 0 if unable to provide)-73.336798
Place NameDead Creek WMA Goose Viewing Area
TownshipAddison
CountyAddison
Vermont eBird Checklist URLebird.org
Time of Day07:56 AM
Length of Time Observed11 minutes
Maximum Estimated Distance from Bird (in feet)25
Minimum Estimated Distance from Bird (in feet)25
Optical Equipment Used for Observation

Canon 400mm f/5.6 lens + 1/4x teleconverter

Observer’s Previous Acquaintance With This or Similar Species

Never seen one in Vermont before this. Many years ago, so saw them commonly in coastal NJ and Long Island.

I certify that any attachments included with this report were captured during this observation event​​.
Description of Habitat

Agricultural fields

Behaviors Observed

Bird was foraging in the grass just off the edge of the gravel road.

Description of Vocalizations

Silent

Verbal Narrative & Description of Observation

I had seen this bird in the same location the day before. It was foraging at the side of the road as I drove up, impossible to miss, as it was the only large white thing in the landscape, and was very close to the road. I watched the bird for 11 minutes, observing its behavior and taking photos.

Relative Size & Shape

Wading bird, smaller than a great egret

Head

white with rufous tint to the crown

Feet & Bill

Black legs and feet, yellow bill

Upper Back

white

Lower Back & Rump

white

Wings

white

Breast, Belly, Flanks, Under Tail Coverts

white

Tail

white

IMPORTANT: What similar species were eliminated when making the identification and how was this bird different?

Great Egret would be much larger and longer-necked, and less likely to be seen in this habitat, far from water.

Other Notes & Comments

Also seen the previous day.

This report was written from notes taken:Written from Memory