You wrote in response to my post:
>
>There are usually a couple in the Portland area each winter
>in the Portland area, and this year more than usual. Up to
>a dozen in Oaks Bottom before the flooding, and more on Sauvie
>Island.
>
>So, I see no reason why one wouldn't be seen on Long Island, esp.
>this year.
>
>- Don Baccus, Portland OR <donb at rational.com>
>
>
>
You're right, on a trip to Calif. last Feb we spotted 2 great egrets in
the meridian just south of Portland. Still we go to the Long Beach area
many times each year and I have yet to see an egret there; ergo, I, at
least, consider them rare. Sometimes I just have to save face as best I
can ;-). John