I need help with probable id:
While driving through Poulsbo, near the Central Market, there is a marsh
alongside the road. Yesterday I saw a smaller than usual heron. It was
definately not a Great Blue Heron (I have seen enough of them in various
plumages to be sure). I had heard of Green-backed heron sightings in
Poulsbo, so I slowed in traffic and tried to get a good look. I even
turned off and parked in a nearby lot to get out and look. By the time I
got near, the bird was gone (or effectively hiding). When I compared it
to the Peterson Guide book, it seems I have seen a Little Blue Heron.
Comparing it to a Great Blue, the one I saw was smaller, had a dark neck
with no white on it, dark bill, no crest visible. Is it possible this
was a Little Blue? Or am I dreaming? Peterson says they are accidental
in Washington.

Joanne Schmitt
jschmitt at sprintmail.com

"The earth provides enough to satisfy every man's needs,
but not every man's greed."
- Mahatma Gandi