While walking my dog this morning he and I spotted a large (40"+ tall) wading bird standing on a neighbor's patio. The bird was variegated grey. When it departed, it flew with its neck extended and with a wing motion that was fast on the upstroke and slow gliding-like on the down stroke. I can't identify any other large wading bird with these characteristics, but I did not notice a red patch on its forehead. Might we have seen a migrating Sandhill Crane?
Thanks!
Thanks!