Allier (France) -- 16.08 07:50 (1 Viewer)

[Frank van Drogen]

While trying to get a shot of our resident Moorhen (unsuccessfully, for the second day in a row), I noticed this bird approaching. At first I thought it a Stork, but when it came closer it seemed more like a heron. I could try to blame the morning sun, but more likely more photography skills are below par.

Is this just an ugly Grey Heron, or am I more lucky than that?

 

[tehri]

hello Frank. 😉
In general, in flight, the neck position is different for these 2 birds.
I would indeed think of a heron here.

 

[Valéry Schollaert]

Definitely a Grey Heron.

 

[Frank van Drogen]

Thank you both.

I was just very surprised by the dark colours for a Grey Heron

 

[Jinac]

Maybe a purple heron but hard to say...

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Hello,

its a Grey Heron, as already said by Tehri, Valéry and all.

With the thumbnail, I got a possible Purple Heron vibe too, but this is regular the result of a drab, ragged Grey Heron and underexposure.

The bill is too broad and dagger-like for a Purple Heron. And if you brighten the pic up, the right pattern and grey neck of a Grey Heron appears.
Please note, that the colouration of the "landing lights" can be whitish (with only a weak cream or yellowish tinge) in worn/faded adult/immature (but not juvenile, always?) Purple Heron too, so I would skip this here

I hope its ok to add the brightened picture Frank?