Just back from near 3 weeks, Luzon-Palawan-Cebu-Bohol, with several pics I'll need expert help with - I know I'm able to tap a wealth of knowledge and greatly appreciate the help given my largely US experience. This individual was at the Candaba rice-fields (RIP Candaba Bird Sanctuary, Luzon) 22 February 2023. I, and likely others, have struggled with distinguishing Javan vs. Chinese Herons in their non-breeding plumage previously. The range maps in Allen's 'new' Birds of the Philippines show both there in the winter. Interestingly, his maps suggest that only the Chinese heron is in central Palawan where I also struggled (I'll get to those eventually as I'm early working me way through the 1,584 pics).
This image has been cropped and slightly lightened with no other editing. Thanks in advance!!! I owe you all 🍺(sorry, spent 1.5 decades in Memphis).
This image has been cropped and slightly lightened with no other editing. Thanks in advance!!! I owe you all 🍺(sorry, spent 1.5 decades in Memphis).