ID please?

This one has me stumped. I feel it is a transitioning juvenile, but not a Little Blue or a YC Night Heron. But what?

This was shot today at the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge in SW S Carolina, just across the Savannah River from Savannah, GA.

My impression was it was about the right size for a Little Blue Heron.

Limpkin.

classic limpkin

Thanks! A first for me. I have never to my knowledge seen this species at the SNWR. I am thrilled! This one is a little out of its range, which by the map does not include anything North of the Florida line. Not so far to go, just 90 miles or so.

A nice find - I've only seen one and tat was in FL back in the 80's.

I checked my most recent field guide (Smithsonian Filed Guide to the Birds of North America by Ted Floyd. 2008):

Odd inhabitant of freshwater marshes and river edges in Florida and southeastern Georgia.

The range map shows it year round in most of FL, and rare on the coast of Georgia.

Limpkins are not uncommon in certain areas here in south Florida. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a reliable place to see them.

Nice shot; thanks for posting it, as it will give me an additional sighting info. for my list. They are common in the Big Bend of Florida-on some rivers and not on others.
We are eagerly awaiting their permanent return to the Wakulla (please check out Wakulla Springs State Park). When the Apple snails-their favorite food-vanished, so did they. Earlier this year I was happy to photograph one on the Wakulla river, feeding on mussels.
If you can send me a copy-I don't know about copying from this site-I would file it with your information.
thanks
Nick