Black heron

[cairnstone]

Today in Caledon my friend and I happened upon a black coloured heron. I did not have my camera with me so only managed cellphone shots which are awful. I did see it through binoculars however. It sure looked like a Great-blue Heron from the neck up, but the rest of it was jet black like a raven. It had black legs but the feet were yellow. I did see it in flight and noticed the feet. In flight you could see just how overall black it's body and flight feathers were. Is this just a very strange Great-blue heron? The photo is poor but if you enlarge it you can see the heavy dagger-like bill.

[cabz]

Hi Cairnstone;

Where in Caledon???  I live in Cheltenham, so if knew the location, would try to find it and hopefully my husband can get some pics.  Great find.  

Thanks.

Cabz

[Kevin H.]

Google this
melanistic great blue heron

[cairnstone]

Hi cabz. Unfortunately, this bird is on private property. Might be able to arrange something for you if it sticks around.

Kevin. Thanks for the response. That makes sense.

[cabz]

Good morning Cairnstone;

Thanks for your reply.  Totally understand if it is on private property.  Would you be able to tell me if the water in the picture is a pond or the Credit river, as I live on the Credit and could keep an eye by chance if it passes, and general area of Caledon, west or east of 10, but also understand if you do not want give out much detail?

Thank you for posting it.

Good birding

Cabz

[cairnstone]

Cabz,

The heron has not been refound since we saw it on Wednesday. To answer your question: It was seen much closer to the Humber River than the Credit. There are many ponds and wetlands in that part of Caledon for the heron to move around.