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!
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Relatively speaking, even though these were taken with a 600mm lens, he was not very far from us.
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Wonderful captures, they are not easy to photograph. 🙂
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It’s always wonderful to see them come into view as they forage about in the tall marsh.
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Your descriptive remarks and beautiful shots recapture the moment nicely. Thanks.
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It was a special few minutes, watching him. Thanks for spotting him, Berny!
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Beautiful shots of a beautiful bird
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They are really uniquely beautiful, aren’t they, AB?
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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.
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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.
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Great photos of this elusive beauty.
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Such a marvelous subject~!
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Awesome shots, Ellen, indeed a thrill!
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😉
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How wonderful that the bird was so bold for so long. I only ever see them flying away from me.
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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.
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Glad he was willing to tolerate the paparazzi long enough for you 🙂
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We couldn’t get over how long he stood there out in the open for us. Such a special bird!
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