It’s always exciting to spot a secretive American Bittern stalking around in the marsh. Unlike other herons who will often fly off when disturbed, the well-camouflaged Bittern will frequently stay right where it is, trying ever so hard to hide amongst the tall leaves. 
To enhance the effect of pretending to be part of the plant life, “alarmed birds ‘skypoint’, swaying with the same motion as the surrounding wetland vegetation.” (Birds of Eastern North America, Sterry & Small, 2009). If you’re really lucky, he’ll stay right there, hiding in plain sight, till you take a few photos 😉. 
Eventually, though, he’ll slink away and hide deeper in the foliage, like this beautiful charmer above did.
American Bitterns are known for their unusual, loud pumping ‘ong-a-chunk’ sound usually heard at night, but also in daylight hours during breeding season (Audubon Field Guide, Eastern Region, 2011). I’ve observed the stealthy American Bitterns on many occasions in our freshwater marshes and wetlands, but have rarely heard their unique vocalizations – maybe because they winter here in Florida, but breed much further north. 
Watch and listen here for a 2-minute snippet of the American Bittern‘s “…bizarre, resonant three-syllable pump-er-lunk call with a liquid quality.” You can learn much more about this shy and elusive wading bird on All About Birds and Audubon.org.
Birder's Journey 
So hard to capture, kudos.
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Thanks, Ted. Yes, they’re hard to even see… sometimes even if you know exactly where they were when you looked a minute ago.
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Love that bird!
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I love them, too, Berny. It’s a really special occasion whenever I happen to see one!
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It’s a lucky day when you see a bittern!
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It sure is, Pam. there’s just something magical about this very unique and secretive bird.
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Oh they are stealthy, and I love their color pattern. Very nice captures!
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Thanks, Ellen. Yes… their patterns are beautiful and unusual. I was happy to get a shot that shows his back/wing feathers.
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Wonderful photos!
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Thanks so much for stopping by, Ann. It’s a wonderful bird!
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Beautiful bird. It must be challenging to capture them in photo.
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To be honest, I mean, target even spot them in the foliage. It’s a real treat when they come close enough so that you can take pictures before they sneak off again.
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Terrific photos!
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Thank you, Belinda. He was so fun to watch and photograph.
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They blend so well with the background, it’s incredible. I wonder, how many of these birds I have missed in my travels. Great shots as always, Carol. 🙂
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Thanks, HJ! There have been times I’ve seen one, and a minute later, can’t find it again, though it’s in the very same spot!
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Your photos are gorgeous. I have had only a few encounters with American Bitterns, but every single one has been memorable. Can’t wait for the next one.
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I so appreciate your visit, Tanja. Yes, ‘memorable’ is a wonderful word for it. No matter how often I’m lucky enough to encounter an American Bittern, it’s so special.
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I wholeheartedly agree!
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Your American Bittern is very similar to our Aussie one, and just as shy. They appear to have the same behaviour characteristics. Many birders are still trying to add Bittern to their lifer list due to its sleuth behaviour. Yes, the amazing thing is it can be right next to you looking at you with its head skyward and you just can’t recognize it. They are beautiful birds in flight also. A great find BJ 🙂
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I always enjoy hearing from you, AB – thanks! Agreed about those stealthy behaviors, and yes…. they are so distinctive in flight, but so hard to predict when one might just pop up out of the marsh and fly off!
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A beauty so well captured.
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Very kind of you, Anita. It’s a very special bird.
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Wonderful shots, they always look so determined!
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Yes ☺️. Thanks so much, Donna!
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Great Bittern shots! Enjoyed seeing them!
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Thanks, Reed. I enjoyed seeing the Bittern, too – always special.
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