Brown and Heron-Like

KPaw · **on:** July 14, 2009, 08:06:19 PM

I ran into a gentleman tonight who told me he saw, at his cottage in Muskoka, two Great-Blue-Heron like birds; however, they were brownish in color and walking on land when he came across them. He said they were very tall, like the Herons, and when they flew off they held their neck in an "S" shape. I have no idea what he saw but he was very sure and very interested so I wondered if anyone had any idea at all.
Many thanks.

Kin Lau · **Reply #1 on:** July 14, 2009, 10:43:36 PM

Everything except the "S" shaped neck could have described a Sandhill Crane, expect they fly with their necks straight out.

Except for the size, American Bittern's are similar to the description.

GStuart · **Reply #2 on:** July 15, 2009, 01:00:47 AM

Perhaps an immature Black-crowned Night Heron.

KPaw · **Reply #3 on:** July 15, 2009, 09:25:54 AM

Thanks for the comments! I shall pass them on to the gentleman. Appreciate it very much.

Brian Bailey · **Reply #4 on:** July 15, 2009, 07:19:48 PM

American Bittern or Green Heron are possible. Night Herons are not commonly found in Muskoka. None of those have a body shape that is much like a Great Blue Heron. I suspect he saw Great Blue Herons in bad light.

BB

Moira · **Reply #5 on:** July 20, 2009, 09:38:54 PM

On the way home from Killarney Provincial Park in early July, I saw a bird with similar description on the grassy side of the road. It was at least the size of a GBH, much bigger than American Bittern or Night Crowned Black Heron. I was so excited, I turned around hoping for a better look. Unfortunately it was gone.

Misty01 · **Reply #6 on:** July 23, 2009, 12:42:56 AM

Most likely it was the sand hill cranes, up at our cottage just ne of parry sound we have 4 nesting around the property. Ask him if it makes a really crazy noise in the mornings and that will be them

Moira · **Reply #7 on:** July 23, 2009, 07:19:53 PM

I wish I had a better look! Thanks.