Usually when we think about little blue herons (Egretta caerulea), we think about an almost completely blue bird with a darker head and neck. But did you know that they are born white? And they are white when they leave the nest and begin hunting on their own. In fact, they look very similar to snowy egrets. It’s not until they are into their second year that they begin to turn blue. While they are in the process of turning blue, they will have a mottled blue and white color that is very attractive. The color is often termed either “pied” or “calico”. Like the little dragonfly that was in the process of getting his mature coloration, I think these mottled young birds are prettier than either the more immature ones or the adults. What do you think?