Met my first Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea) at the park a couple weeks ago. Though it looks a little patchy it was still an attractive bird, especially the light blue at the base of the bill.

The species turns from white to blue-gray as it enters adulthood. It is thought the white coloration is beneficial as Snowy Egrets will tolerate them which provides protection and even feeding advantages for the youngsters. Snowies are known to chase off the darker-colored adults.