“Shy, secretive denizen of the marsh,” the Least Bittern (Smithsonian Handbooks, Birds of Florida, p. 65) can be very elusive. I was so happy to see this one moving about out in the open, in full view, on two recent days in a row!
The smallest (11-14″) heron in North America, the Least Bittern is also one of the smallest herons in the world (Audubon.org).
This delicate little Heron can sometimes be seen flying low across a freshwater or brackish water marsh, but otherwise it’s likely to be climbing furtively through the reeds and dense, low marsh vegetation on its long agile legs and toes.
The Least Bittern in these photos was engaging in familiar foraging behavior: “. . . clambering about in vegetation above water, and jabbing downward with its long bill to capture prey at the water’s surface.” (Audubon.org).
Birder's Journey 
Great sighting!
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Thanks, Donna – it was a real treat ☺️
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Wonderful shots of this cool little heron. This is one bird that I have not yet seen, but have heard that they are really tough to spot and challenging to photograph.
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Thank you, Mike. Yes, they can be very hard to spot. This one was like a gift!
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Your beautiful photographs made excellent use of that gift!
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You are so thoughtful, Ann – thank you!
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Oh wow, how fortunate for you to see this bittern, BJ. They are nearly impossible to capture in the way you have here. Usually they are completely hidden, and often in vegetation that is the same color as them. Such an elusive bird. When I have the rare opportunity to observe a bittern, I bask in the glory of it for days. I’m smiling, happy you have had this joy, BJ. Thanks for sharing it.
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Thank you so much for your very enthusiastic reaction, Jet!! I certainly agree. I think this may be only the third time I have ever posted Least Bittern photos on my blog.
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Looks like he has something to hide
On Sun, Jan 30, 2022 at 3:05 PM Birder’s Journey wrote:
> Birder’s Journey posted: ” “Shy, secretive denizen of the marsh,” the > Least Bittern (Smithsonian Handbooks, Birds of Florida, p. 65) can be very > elusive. I was so happy to see this one moving about out in the open, in > full view, on two recent days in a row! The smallest” >
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LOL, I think he was definitely trying to hide from the tiny fish and the insects that he was after!
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Nice series of environmental portraits!
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Thank you very much. I’m so glad you enjoyed them.
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That’s an exciting sighting!! The images are wonderful!
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So kind of you, Deborah. Yes, it WAS exciting. ☺️
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What a beautiful bird – easy to understand your excitement!
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Yes, The Least Bittern is a really lovely little bird!
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Woo-Hoo! You not only SAW a Least Bittern, you made some terrific photographs!
These little ones are usually heard but not often seen.
Very nice!
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Thanks so much for your enthusiasm, Wally! I was very happy to have the opportunity to watch this Bittern out in the open for so long!
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Great images of the Bittern! They are fun to photograph!
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Agreed! They’re such a joy to find and watch. Thanks, Reed!
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