When I first spotted this elusive bird, he was deep in the shadows with his back turned to me, and I wasn’t even sure yet that he was an American Bittern. It soon became obvious when he emerged into a clearing and set about hunting in earnest – right out in the open.
“Bitterns are stealth predators and typically stand motionless as they wait for prey to approach, or stalk it with barely perceptible motions” (All About Birds/American Bittern). This guy did a great demo of stealthy foraging, very slowly moving past me.🤫
I don’t think he ever saw me watching – what a treat!
Birder's Journey 
What a treat! And great pictures.
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Thanks Amy… I always love it when I have the chance to see a bittern. ☺️
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Excellent sighting, and beautiful images of this Bittern!
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It was a real surprise treat, Deborah, as I haven’t seen one at this place since last year. Thanks so much for your visit!
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Awesome sighting and photos!
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Thanks! I think the best part was that no one else was around, so I got to enjoy him by myself for a few minutes before I pointed him out to some passersby.
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A most unique beautiful and elusive bird. Great pics
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Yes they sure are…. It was a very pleasant surprise to catch him there. Thanks, Berny!
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that’s determination!
*Yishai Rasowsky* (972) 54-848-2245 (972) 54-751-6040 *Ask the kollel | שיעורי תורה * *GitHub | Linkedin *
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Haha, yes!
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I have yet to see one of these beauties, let alone photograph it. Where did you take these photos? Maybe someday I can visit the area and see the elusive creature.
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We have American Bitterns throughout Florida. I’ve seen them in several wetland marshes, Sue, but they’re always very hard to spot. This bittern was at Wakodahatchee Wetlands in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach County. Hope you get to encounter an American bittern one day!☺️
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It is so thrilling when a stealthy, skittish bird like the American Bittern doesn’t see you. What a joy that must’ve been for you, BJ, and how wonderful you could share it with us.
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It was fun to see him so close by and also out in the open! I’m so glad you enjoyed seeing this Bittern with me, Jet.
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It’s always special to see one of these winter visitors!
Good job photographing her/him.
Thank you for sharing with the rest of us.
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Thanks, Wally …. It’s challenging to know which pronoun to use when so many of our wetland wading birds have very little differentiation between the male’s and female’s appearance.
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Pro Tip: I honestly don’t believe the birds care. 🙂
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Haha!☺️ I’m sure you’re right, Wally!
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They do blend in! Excellent photos!
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They sure do, Belinda. They’re one of the best at it ☺️
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That’s a hard one to catch like this. Excellent shots.
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Yes, that was a lucky moment for me – thanks, Ted.
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Wonderfully cryptic colouration!
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Yes… great description, deWets. They’re so hard to distinguish from the foliage, yet their plumage is distinctly so different from other birds.
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Great captures, Carol. Thank you. 🙂
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Thanks for visiting, HJ!
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Wonderful photos. I have only seen a bittern on a handful of occasions, but each of those times my heart skipped a beat when I realized what bird was in front of me. 🙂
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I know just the feeling, Tanja! It’s a very special experience, isn’t it?!☺️
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Absolutely!
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Amazing pictures as always – even more so when it’s an elusive bird. You’re obviously good at remaining hidden too! 🙂
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LOL, and, thanks so much! I think he just was so busy looking for food, he forgot to look up😉
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