Migrating Little Blue Heron Spotted At Hammo!

Photographer Donna Johnson Buckley was at Hammonasset Beach State Park this morning, and she saw something so beautiful she had to stop her car, get out and take this photo. 

In her words: "Look what I spotted in Hammonasset S.P.......a migrating Little Blue Heron. I have never seen one before, they are usually found down south. The blue colors on it were enough to make me stop my car! So beautiful!! Enjoy your day! :)" 

Here is information about the little blue from the Audubon Society: "On average, Little Blue Herons measure 24 inches in length with a 40-inch wingspan, and weigh about 12 ounces—one-sixth the mass of a Great Blue Heron. Little Blues appear dark overall, with a relatively stout neck, moderately long, yellow-green legs, and a dagger-shaped, slightly drooped blue bill with a black tip. The entire body below the upper neck is slate blue. A purplish maroon color, boldest in summer, adorns the head and neck. Sexes are alike. First year birds begin their lives completely white and are difficult to distinguish from juvenile Snowy Egrets. After about nine months, grayish feathers begin to molt into the white plumage, creating a remarkable splotched appearance."

Never seen one before? Then head over to Hammo and add it to your life list! As always, retain a respectful distance so as not to alarm it or the other birds.

Here is information from the Audubon Society on the Little Blue Heron's population status trends: "With little historical data, long-term population trends for Little Blue Herons are difficult to determine. Between 1966 and 2003, Breeding Bird Survey data indicate fairly stable numbers overall, with increases along the mid-Atlantic Coast and in parts of Mississippi, Arkansas, and the Midwest; however, compensating losses occurred in almost every other state. The Little Blue Heron is a species of conservation concern in Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia. Kentucky's State Nature Preserves considers it endangered, and Mississippi lists it as warranting "timely conservation action.""

Hammonasset Beach State Park is at the intersection of the Hammonasset Connector and Boston Post Road/Route 1 in Madison, CT. Check out the park's webpage for details about hours and fees. There currently, as of May 3, is no fee during the week, but they are charging during the weekend. 

On Saturday morning, the local Audubon Shop is sponsoring a bird walk at Hammonasset. To participate, show up at the Audubon Shop, at 907 Boston Post Rd  Madison, CT 06443 before 7:45 a.m.. The phone number at the store is (203) 245-9056.