Photo by Robert C. Dobbs
One (2016-041) on 16 November and presumably the same individual on 2 December 2016,
Terrebonne: Isles Dernieres, Whiskey Island, N29.04770 o, W90.82324 o;
Jessica Schulz (ph) and
Robert C. Dobbs (ph).
Photo by Robert C. Dobbs
These are the first accepted occurrences of this subspecies in Louisiana.
One (87-20) on 25 Jan to at least 5 Apr 1987, Jefferson: Grand Isle; AB 41(2): 291, AB 41(3): 442. This record went three circulations before receiving a decision vote (2 in favor, 5 opposed). All Members agreed that the slides and written descriptions were suggestive of Great White Heron. Members that voted not to accept identification were concerned that an albinistic Great Blue Heron could not be definitively excluded as a possibility. In one of the three color slides submitted, the bird appears to have brownish or darker tones present on the underparts; this could be interpreted as evidence supporting the possible albino/partial albino Great Blue Heron hypothesis. Recent genetic studies give some support for species status of Great White Heron (McGuire 2001; McGuire and Noor 2002). A previous published record from 1981 (AB 36(2): 186) from Orleans: New Orleans lakefront, has never been reviewed. The species was apparently placed on the LBRC Review List in response to the 1981 report. This subspecies (or species), although not officially accepted on the State List, will continue to appear on the Review List until a future decision is reached regarding its list status.