NOTES: FIRST RECORD OF THE LITTLE BLUE HERON FOR BRITISH COLUMBIA AND WASHINGTON

Abstract

In late October 1974, an immature Little Blue Heron (Florida caerulea) was reported by Bud Anderson from Judson Lake, a small lake (about 1.5 km long) lying astride the British Columbia–Washington boundary, about 7 km southwest of Abbotsford, British Columbia. Local residents later told us that the bird had been present since about 15 October. On 2 November 1974 Eugene Hunn visited the lake and confirmed Anderson’s identification. On 3 November the heron was studied by Wayne Weber and by many other experienced observers, and it was seen frequently until 10 November on both the Canadian and American sides of the lake. The only subsequent sighting was on 5 January 1975, when Ian D. MacDonald again saw the bird at the lake. During this two-month gap in records, the heron may possibly have visited other small lakes in the vicinity.