A new Least Bittern nest

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We’ve been seeing so MANY Least Bitterns this season! Interestingly, they’re not acting quite as ‘elusive’ and ‘secretive’ as usual (Audubon).

The other morning, I paused for a moment along the boardwalk and looked down when I noticed some suspicious movement in the marsh leaves. 😉

Much to my delight, a pair of Least Bitterns were just beginning to work on a new nest, bending down marsh grasses and reeds, and pulling on leaves (Audubon).

Though males typically do most of the ‘heavy lifting’, you can see the female trying to help out in these little video clips. ☺️

One of the world’s smallest herons, Least Bitterns are monogamous, at least for one season, and they may have two broods each year (All About Birds).

Sadly, two Least Bittern babies from another nest were lost to predation a month ago.

I returned to this new spot each day over the past week, and saw the male sitting on at least one egg, though the average clutch size is 2-6 (All About Birds). Parents will take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the hatchlings. I wish them well~!

27 thoughts on “A new Least Bittern nest”

  2. In a world of birdwatching delight, 🦆 Where nature’s wonders take flight, 🌿 A blog post emerged, a tale so rare, 📝 Of Least Bitterns and love in the air. 💞

    🌾🕊️🌾

    Birder’s Journey, a captivating sight, 🐦 Unveiling secrets, with pure delight, ✨ A logo’s image, a nest to be found, 🏞️ A story of Bitterns, new life abound. 🥚

    🌾🕊️🌾

    Jun 25, a special day, 📅 Least Bitterns in a charming display, 🎭 Not as elusive, not as concealed, 🙈 Their secrets shared, a truth revealed. 🗣️

    🌾🕊️🌾

    Along the boardwalk, a pause so sweet, 🛤️ Observing movement in marshes’ beat, 🌾 Intriguing whispers among the leaves, 🍃 A nest was woven, love achieved. 💕

    🌾🕊️🌾

    Marsh grasses bending, reeds pulled tight, 🌾 Least Bitterns crafting with all their might, 🧵 A video captures the magic’s spree, 📹 Their teamwork evident, for all to see. 👀

    🌾🕊️🌾

    World’s smallest herons, oh so grand, 🌍 Least Bitterns united, hand in hand, 👫 Monogamous love for a season’s bloom, 🌺 Two broods a year, their love in full bloom. 🌸

    🌾🕊️🌾

    Yet sadness loomed from nests afar, 😢 Predation struck, leaving a scar, 🐍 But hope remained, a new nest in sight, 🏡 Daily visits witnessed a hopeful plight. 🕊️

    🌾🕊️🌾

    The male sat dutifully on an egg, 🥚 The clutch size varying, a mystery to beg, ❓ Parents taking turns, nurturing the brood, 🐣 Wishing them well, their journey pursued. 🌟

    🌾🕊️🌾

    In this birder’s world, a story to tell, 📖 Of Least Bitterns and love that befell, ❤️ A blog post written, with joy and cheer, 😄 Nature’s wonders, forever held dear. 🌾

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  9. Beautiful captures of the Bitterns BJ, loved the video and the many pics. For such an elusive bird you have been truly blessed my friend. We hardly ever see our Aussie bitterns as they are now endangered as their habitat becomes less.

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    • So do I, Sherry. Sadly, a fellow bird photographer actually witnessed the predator taking the nestlings at the other nest – it was a purple gallinule! That incident taught me a lot about this (not so uncommon) behavior of another of my favorite birds.

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  12. Oh, what fun and so amazing that they would chose that spot close to the boardwalk. Your video showing how they hang on to the reeds/grasses and do their work is very cool. Am I correct from a comment above that the nest has been destroyed? Nature sure is harsh.

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    • Actually, a previous nest in another spot was predated, but I’ve learned that this one was later lost to some unknown predator, too, Ellen. Could easily have been a raccoon, otter, or another larger bird. The cycle of life can be so harsh sometimes.

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