Least bittern Lake Merced

Rachel Lawrence

I was at concrete bridge just now watching ducks and Ardeids at sunset. At 6pm in the half light a tiny Ardeid flew from the south of the concrete bridge to the south west shore of the south pond and was lost in the gloom. The striking thing was the very rapid wing beats, very small size, dark back with a light lateral stripe each side and bright buffy wing coverts contrasting with darker flight feathers. It had yellow legs and feet extending behind the tail. The overall impression was a very patterned upper body and wings in flight compared to the overall dark green heron. It also appeared smaller than a green heron and faster wing beat. Hoping someone else will catch it ! Rachel