Thanks Marilyn ... yep, Heron's and Egrets and Bitterns are in the same family (Ardeidae). We have lots of them here in Florida. The Great Blue Heron which is Bluish-Gray in color is easily identifiable. With the White ones I had trouble remembering which was which for a long time. The Great Egret (tall @ 39" is all white with black legs and feet and a bright yellow bill). The Snowy Egret (smaller @ 24" is all white with black legs but has bright yellow feet and a yellow bill). We also have another white one, the Cattle Egret (the smallest at @ 20") which is all white in color in the non breeding season and white with buff colors in the breeding season with yellowish legs and a short yellow bill.
There are many more Herons/Egrets found here in Florida ... very pretty birds; Little Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, Green Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron and Yellow-crowned Night Heron and the Reddish Egret.
