Egret/Heron?

[Dave Barnes]

Can anybody assist with the ID of this bird. My initial thoughts were a little egret, but the leg colour may prove this to be incorrect.
I have shown it to various local experts who think that it may be a rare vagrant.
A western reef heron (morf or juv) has been suggested as a possibility. (Only seen twice before in RSA)
Can anyone shed some light on this?

PS he is the size of a little egret, a lot smaller than the intermediate and great white.


Camera Model Canon EOS-1D Mark III
Lens EF500mm f/4L IS USM +1.4x
Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/4000
Av( Aperture Value ) 5.6
Exposure Compensation +1/3
ISO Speed 640

[Dave Barnes]

Here is another image of the bird.

It seems like nobody has an answer?

[Paul Lagasi]

Being from Canada, its a tough call. My book "Birds of South Africa" Sasol press..shows these possibles
Little Blue Heron (juv)
Western Reef Heron (morph)
It the funky color at the front of the legs that throws me, can find nothing on Web so far

I'd go with Heron..Good luck with this

[Patti Edens]

To me it looks like a Little Blue Heron.

Check these photos of Little Blues that Greg Lavaty took.

Regards,
Patti

[Dave Barnes]

Thanks Paul and Patti for your thoughts on this one.
I have sent copies of the images to various ornothonogists locally and the concensus seems to that the bird is a sub-adult Little Egret. The images did generate a bit of excitement as the Little Blue and western Reef heron are vary scarce in SA. I am still not sure what it is but I will go with the flow and stay with the local experps and accept the Little Egret ID.
Sorry for the time taken to reply but I was waiting for this info.
Patti the link is very interesting, thank you.