Tough ID?

I was totally caught off guard as I was walking down a tight path at my favorite local lake In Northeast PA, when this bird I'd never seen nor heard before landed in a tree this gray morning.

Well, I was chasing a GBH that flew away just seconds before--my only guess with my limited knowledge and given the height in the second photo is a Green Heron?? I tried to get around the many branches, leaves and bushes to get a decent shot. The first is the best I could manage before it flew off. Thanks for any help, I'm really lost, as I've been to this lake 100 times this year and never seen one close to this.

I believe you are right, but I'm no expert.

Yes, juvenile Green Heron.

I believe it is a night heron very simular to the green heron though

Dave

It's a green heron - not a night heron. Green heron's regularly roost in trees by themselves (whereas night herons will often roost with other birds). Nice find

Green Heron is correct.

I've seen both Green Herons (always alone) and Black-crowned Night Herons (alone or in small groups) roost in trees.

Thanks everyone!! Again, I can't tell you how many times I've been to this spot and have never seen a Green Heron. Now I've got even more reason to keep going back!

Definitely green heron. You just did not get enough light to catch his coloration.
Trust me, I see these little guys ALL the time!

Oh I trust you Lucy!! I guess it wasn't that tough an ID after all. First one I've ever seen up here in PA--we had a horribly overcast day too, which didn't help.