Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Tri-colored Heron
Scientific name:	Egretta tricolor
Date:	Sep 8, 2023
Time:	7:40am
Length of time observed:	10 minutes
Number:	1
Age:	?
Sex:	?
Location:	Egg Island- Farmington Bay WMA
County:	[Davis]
Latilong:
Elevation:
Distance to bird:	50 feet
Optical equipment:	Binoculars, and Nikon D3300
Weather:	Clear
Light Conditions:	Morning sun
Description: Size of bird:	20 inch body
(Description:) Basic Shape:	clearly a heron
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	blue gray, white throat stripe
(Description:) Bill Type:	Yellow, black tipped, long straight pointed
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Long white stripe up the front of the neck. Blue gray over all color. Sleek head. Much smaller than a Great blue. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	NA
Behavior:	Sitting on the top of a tree on top of egg island. Parked the car right beside the trees.
Habitat:	Landed in the trees, on the top, North side of Egg Island. Trees at the top of egg island, as soon as you pull up the ramp drive.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Great Blue Heron- This bird was significantly smaller, with a distinct white stripe running up the front side of the neck. Sleek looking head.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	Unfortunately none. This was a first sighting, identified because it wasn't a Great Blue Heron.
References consulted:	Tim Avery via photos and text
Description from:	From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Ellie Blundell
Observer's address:	1298 N Mountain Rd
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	Nerys Turnbaugh (photos), Wyatt Wardle
Date prepared:	12/7/23
Additional material:	Photos
Additional comments:	There are a few good photos as the bird was seen very close to us.