What a thrill to get a glimpse of this beautiful, well-fed American Bittern. We were strolling along a boardwalk, when my husband suddenly spotted some movement in the tall marshy grasses . . . and then the Bittern emerged!
Known for its solitary and elusive behavior, this ‘stout heron’ can be found in dense freshwater marshes (http://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/american-bittern), and – luckily for us – spends the winter months in Florida. 
The Bittern stayed in full view for an unusually long time. After many minutes, he appeared to be quite aware that I was watching him, looked around suspiciously, and then slowly stalked off again into the marsh. 
What a thrill! I love that one looking towards you – amazing!
Relatively speaking, even though these were taken with a 600mm lens, he was not very far from us.
Wonderful captures, they are not easy to photograph. 🙂
It’s always wonderful to see them come into view as they forage about in the tall marsh.
Your descriptive remarks and beautiful shots recapture the moment nicely. Thanks.
It was a special few minutes, watching him. Thanks for spotting him, Berny!
Beautiful shots of a beautiful bird
They are really uniquely beautiful, aren’t they, AB?
These are great captures of this elusive and beautiful bird! I have spotted one only two times in many years…but then our marsh has salt water.
It’s always exciting to spot one, and even more special when they venture out into the open and stay in full view for awhile.
Great photos of this elusive beauty.
Such a marvelous subject~!
Awesome shots, Ellen, indeed a thrill!
😉
How wonderful that the bird was so bold for so long. I only ever see them flying away from me.
That’s all I often see too, Sue – this was really a good out-in-the-open opportunity. I’d love to get one in a clear flight shot one day, but they always seem to come up out of nowhere.
Glad he was willing to tolerate the paparazzi long enough for you 🙂
We couldn’t get over how long he stood there out in the open for us. Such a special bird!