Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Tri-colored Heron
Scientific name:	[Egretta tricolor]
Date:	September 8th 2023
Time:	12:00pm
Length of time observed:	2 minutes flying overhead
Number:	2
Age:
Sex:
Location:	Goose Egg Island
County:	[Davis]
Latilong:
Elevation:
Distance to bird:	Closest, about 30 ft
Optical equipment:	Small school issued binoculars
Weather:	Clear
Light Conditions:
Description: Size of bird:	Size of great blue herin in sky
(Description:) Basic Shape:	Neck was pulled in like a great blue herin
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	To my eye, all grey with a obvious white strip down front of neck
(Description:) Bill Type:
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Was told about a rare sighting, left and arrived about 30 minutes after. As I drove to the place last sighted I saw 2 ugly birds flying overhead. At first my mind immediately went to great blue herin, but the wing shape seemed slightly off and it was totally grey. I then noticed the long white stripe down it's neck. Neither landed, but I saw them fly overhead for a minimal amount of time. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:
Behavior:
Habitat:
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Took a class from professor Adam Blundell last year. Frequently go out birdwatching as a hobby since.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	References: Adam Blundell and Friends.
References consulted:	Adam Blundell and Friends.
Description from:	Notes taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Kay VanDrimmelen + 2 other birders
Observer's address:	869 South Burlrush Road
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	Students who first identified this bird and came to professor Blundell who confirmed it.
Date prepared:	October 13th 2023
Additional material:	Photos
Additional comments:	The first students had a picture which professor blundell sent to many of his friends in order to confirm.