Rare Bird Alert! Little Blue Heron Spotted in Gurnee!
Little Blue Heron. Photo: Doug Reitz
On the Spring Bird Count, a Little Blue Heron made a surprise visit to Gurnee! Resighting has not been regular to date.
This species breeds along the Gulf Coast down through Brazil but occasionally wanders north to southern Illinois. Per Birds of the World, Little Blue Herons are often overlooked in wetland environments because of their dark adult plumage and somewhat secretive and solitary feeding habits.
Another was also sighted in Cook County so keep your eyes open for this secretive species.
Check out the breeding plumage "wisps" on the neck!
Little Blue Heron. Photo: Doug Reitz
