‘Tweener’

One of my all time favorite bird patterns is the little blue heron “tweener” phase. This is the in between time when the bird is transitioning from an all white juvenile, to an all blue adult. I particularly admire the checkerboard patchwork of blue and white that the heron is displaying during what may possibly be considered an adolescent period.

So yesterday I was quite pleased to see this tweener come flying in across the salt marsh. I hoped that an adult might also fly into view in the same area so that I could show the difference and sure enough…within a short amount of time an adult little blue also flew in across the marsh.

21 thoughts on “‘Tweener’”

donna213 on June 27, 2014 at 4:05 pm said:

They do look very different. Nice to see the Tween. Lovely flight photos.

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- Phil Lanoue on June 27, 2014 at 4:35 pm said:
  
  Thanks, glad you liked the flight shots. They do look different, but I really like that tweener phase.
  
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Patrizia M. on June 27, 2014 at 4:11 pm said:

Belli questi scatti in volo!!

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- Phil Lanoue on June 27, 2014 at 4:35 pm said:
  
  Grazie Pat, glad you liked these photos!
  
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acuriousgal on June 27, 2014 at 4:14 pm said:

Yeah, gotta keep a close eye on those teens…I love the variation when he expands his wings

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- Phil Lanoue on June 27, 2014 at 4:37 pm said:
  
  Oddly, they seem to calm down a bit more by the time they reach this stage. As all white juvies though, they can get a bit rambunctious!
  
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  - acuriousgal on June 27, 2014 at 8:36 pm said:
    
    🙊🙊
    
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roughseasinthemed on June 27, 2014 at 4:25 pm said:

How absolutely beautiful is that. Cracking photos Phil.

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- Phil Lanoue on June 27, 2014 at 4:37 pm said:
  
  Well I appreciate that and glad you liked seeing these interesting birds in flight!
  
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Pat on June 27, 2014 at 4:28 pm said:

Wonderful shots. I love the patchwork look of the youngster.

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- Phil Lanoue on June 27, 2014 at 4:39 pm said:
  
  Thanks. This blue and white phase is a real favorite of mine, always enjoy seeing these guys. 🙂
  
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The Dancing Rider on June 27, 2014 at 4:45 pm said:

Sure does look like a transitional phase. Love that network of colors — lovely!

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- Phil Lanoue on June 28, 2014 at 12:27 pm said:
  
  They are quite attractive birds in this phase!
  
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foxleylady on June 27, 2014 at 7:07 pm said:

What great contrasting pictures! Both stages are simply beautiful! This really has to be one of my favourites (as you know, Phil)!

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- Phil Lanoue on June 28, 2014 at 12:29 pm said:
  
  We have been very happy that several little blues started to arrive in out area just this week. Everything has been late so far this season. We are expecting the spoonbills any day now but they could also be late so who knows?
  
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Linda on June 27, 2014 at 7:15 pm said:

Beautiful flight, and beautiful creature and photo, thank you Phil

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- Phil Lanoue on June 28, 2014 at 12:30 pm said:
  
  Well I’m very happy you enjoyed seeing the little blues!
  
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babsje on June 28, 2014 at 6:23 pm said:

Remarkable, almost harlequin-like. Excellent photos of little blue!

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- Phil Lanoue on June 29, 2014 at 9:43 am said:
  
  I’m really happy you enjoyed seeing the variations of the little blue! Thanks!
  
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  - babsje on June 29, 2014 at 9:48 am said:
    
    We don’t have little blues here, so I’m happy to see ANY little blue, but your little little blue is the best!
    
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Lyle Krahn on June 30, 2014 at 1:46 am said:

I can certainly understand why you like that phase.

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