Tricolored Heron in Wilson
Published: May 24, 2014
Tags: Life List Happenings, Tricolored Heron, Short-billed Dowitcher, White-rumped Sandpiper, Black-bellied Plover, Least Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs, Semipalmated Plover, Killdeer, American Pipit, Orchard Oriole, Black-crowned Night Heron, Green Heron
After an intense day of birding up in Wilson, New York, Willie, Betsy, and I stopped at the west branch of Twelve Mile Creek to check for any unusual sightings, as Willie has found in the past. Sure enough, he shouted, "Tricolored Heron!". There, indeed, was my life bird, preening on a log until a Mute Swan kicked it off to a higher spot. We scoped, watched, and enjoyed the bird for a long while until a helicopter flushed it, along with about 20 Double-crested Cormorants.
We re-found the heron a little further back on a small island. Betsy and I went to get Gerry Teal, who was birding close by, and Gerry offered us the opportunity to use his kayak to get a better view of the bird. I nervously took him up on his offer (my first time in a kayak - but who could refuse?!) - and, after a few quick lessons, off Gerry and I went in separate kayaks to photograph this beautiful heron. Thank you, Gerry! When we left, the Tricolored Heron was still at the location and hopefully, he'll stick around for awhile so others can get a chance to see him.
photo courtesy of Betsy Potter
The Tricolored Heron is the only dark colored heron that has a white belly. The belly is quite distinct as you can see in the photos. We also saw the white breeding plume at the back of his head. Look closely at its eye - it is brown, indicating an adult - but the margins are scarlet, which only happens during courtship. This heron can be found in Florida and breeds there and along the east coast, wintering in Central America. This is an uncommon find for Western New York and I never thought I'd be adding it to my life list here!
Earlier in the day, Mike and Mark Morgante, Willie and Betsy, and I had 17 warbler species in Willie and Betsy's yard, a Lincoln's Sparrow, and several shorebirds at nearby farms. The shorebirds included 2 Short-billed Dowitchers, 2 White-rumped Sandpipers, a Black-bellied Plover, several Semipalmated Plovers, Dunlin, Least Sandpipers, Lesser Yellowlegs, Killdeer, and 1 American Pipit.
What a day! Migration is ending soon and I am going to miss these wonderful sightings. It's been such a terrific and birdy spring!