I'm not exactly sure what it is. I thought it might be an Egret or Heron but I've been searching for pictures and I haven't found any close resemblances here.
The black spot on the top of the head, makes me think this is a juvenile Great Blue Heron.
Apr 14, 2010
No clue by: Barefootreba
A Reddish Egret is an uncommon,dark heron of salt-water flats. The head and neck are quite shaggy. The bill usually is dark at the tip and flesh-colored at the base. Not sure if this is that bird, Was this photo taken near shore by salt water? Sometimes you can identify by eliminating what it's not first.