Least Bitterns are known for being shy and very well-camouflaged, great at hiding in the marsh. I spotted this Bittern fly in on a recent early July morning, and assumed it would quickly scoot off into the dense foliage.
But when I hurried over to get a better look, she just stood there, posing atop the reeds. She stayed there in full view for several minutes, a rare treat. See much more on these elusive birds at eBird and at All About Birds-Least Bittern.
Birder's Journey 
Very Nice! Great Bittern images!!
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Thanks for your visit, Reed! It’s such a joy when a Least Bittern stays out and visible for so long.
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The least Bittern is the most unique bird. I love to see him fly. He’s a bit awkward but he gets it done!
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Exactly, Berny! They are a real treat.
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You must have done something good to get this opportunity. So darn shy ! The other day we found at least 5. All gone in a flash. 👏👏👏
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Just the luck of the draw, Ted, as you know so often happens. I saw it fly in from a distance and never expected it to still be visible when I got to the spot where it landed!
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They are great hiders!
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Yes, Kathy, they certainly are! Very well camouflaged, and more often hiding in the plant life than out in the open.
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Look at that beauty! Awesome shots, Carol!! Both bittern species have eluded me, and I’ve even been in areas where sightings were common, ugh. Great work here!!
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One of these days, I’m sure you will see them, Donna☺️. We’ve had many of them in our local wetlands in recent weeks in particular. They are here every year, though I don’t recall exactly which months they are most prevalent. This year, I was excited to see several chicks as well, but I didn’t get many photos of the little fuzzy ones.
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What an incredible opportunity well captured, Carol!
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Much appreciate it, Ellen! Yes, it was a wonderful unexpected opportunity.
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Great captures, Carol! The closest I have photographed was the Sunbittern in the Amazon. I have heard many people that you can find bitterns in some places of Florida, but I haven’t so far. You’re a lucky lady! 🙂
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Wow…. I’d absolutely love to see a Sunbittern in the Amazon, HJ! But somehow I’m not sure that I’ll ever get there… we often talk about going to Ecuador but I don’t know whether they are there.
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What a gift BJ to have a Bittern pose for you, they are so private and so seldom seen.
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Very true, AB! It felt like a gift.
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How wonderful! You did really well to photograph such a shy bird. 🙂
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This bird was amazingly cooperative, Ann, lucky for me and all the other people who saw it!☺️
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Love that curly, curious neck!
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Thanks for stopping by, Yaffa!! I forget if you ever saw the Least Bitterns.☺️
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What stunning photos! Lucky you, Carol!
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Thank you so much, Lorri. Yes, I was definitely in the right place at the right moment that morning. ☀️
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Wow, what a great view!
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What an accommodating bittern. I’m very envious–I have only heard a least bittern once, but have never seen one. An encounter like yours would be a dream come true.
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Believe me, Tanja, it was a dream for me too, even though I’ve seen them quite a number of times! They don’t usually sit still out in the open for long.
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I’m happy for you! 🙂
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☺️
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