Bird Identification, Anyone?

[k0xxx]

While out in my yard the other day, a large bird swooped past me. I had my camera and took a picture, but not before it had gone past me quite a ways.

The first picture is the actual photo, and the second one was zoomed in and cropped. The feathers are lit in a way that makes them, and the birds color, hard to see, but the bird seemed to be mostly gray.

Any ideas?

 

[reinbeau]

It's either an egret or a white heron.

 

[Wifezilla]

I am thinking heron. Reminds me of the blue heron we have near a local pond.

 

[freemotion]

It's a Great Blue Heron, IMO.

 

[FarmerDenise]

yup, one of the above

 

[patandchickens]

Actually it bears a striking resemblance to a toy pterodactyl I had when I was a kid. Possibly the National Enquirer would be interested LOL

More prosaically I will join the votes for GBH, great blue heron, or ido you get Louisiana herons where you are? (they're smaller. I'm too lazy to look up their range in a field guide)

Pat

 

[reinbeau]

I saw white, which is why I said egret, or white heron. If it's colored with grey/blue tones then yes, it's a Great Blue. This laptop screen leaves a lot to be desired.

 

[Henrietta23]

I vote heron too. One of my favorite birds. If I ever get a weathervane for my house it will be a great blue. Great job catching it "on film"!

 

[k0xxx]

Thanks for all of the replies. The photo made the wings appear smooth, and really gave it an odd look.

After purchasing a "Field Guide to North American Birds", I would have to agree that most likely candidate does indeed seem to be a Great Blue Heron.

Living in the hills I would have never expected a Heron, as I always associated them with marshes. I was even surprised by the Road Runner that has been hanging around.

Thanks again!

 

[big brown horse]

Actually it bears a striking resemblance to a toy pterodactyl I had when I was a kid. Possibly the National Enquirer would be interested LOL

More prosaically I will join the votes for GBH, great blue heron, or ido you get Louisiana herons where you are? (they're smaller. I'm too lazy to look up their range in a field guide)

Pat

It does have a prehistoric feel doesn't it? Do they still call pterodactyl "pterodactyl's" anymore?