Bittern.....Botaurus stellaris

Digiscoped.

Best viewed on black. Press L.

Those that have been to the Bittern hide will know that it's not ideal for shooting as you are looking down from a elevated position, and they are usually quite far away.

The Bittern hide was almost standing room only as news of the presence of a Bittern spread.

A Hot sunny and windy day at Minsmere and the busiest we've ever experienced.

This guy was out in the open which is rare to see.

near Carnation

The picture of this American Bittern was taken at Anahuac NWR in Texas.

Managed to get a clear view of the Bittern today.

I guess I got lucky again and found this female "Least Bittern" out in the open.

bittern

Blackwater NWR, Dorchester County, MD

On its final Main Line run before overhaul, 4464 Bittern Approaches Spalding with a trip from Kings Cross to Lincoln. The Weather could not have been better for Bitterns final Fling. Before Bittern is overhauled it can be seen pulling trains on the Mid Hants Railway during 2015.

Bodie Island Lighthouse, Nags Head, N.C. 11/1/14.

"Blending in" at Back Bay… 1/18/14

No birdcall apps for photos!

www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/american_bittern/id

Taken in Texas

Very interesting birds. They can point their beak straight upwards and still look forward at you.

bittern

A Bittern's ability to vanish into the reedbed is legendary, so to celebrate, here's a video of one doing what they do best :-)

RSPB Minsmere

Salem, NH

ebird.org/ebird/nh/view/checklist?subID=S18764053

writeup of breeding birds: bit.ly/LEBI2

Saw this guy very close up at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. He was about 8 ft away from the road just outside of the ash tree forest.

Far Ings Nr

I was extremely lucky to see this bird earlier in the year and the clip shows how well they move amongst the reeds. Normally when the reed beds are think you'll be hard pushed to see these birds with their wonderful camouflaged feathers. Their legs are not as long as a Heron so I guess this is another reason they spend so much time in the vegetation near water banks. Also reed beds make great hiding places for small fish and frogs, perfect for these to feed on.

The bittern finally emerged from dense reedbeds to delight the assembled watchers and photographers

Same Bittern ans the one in flight. Just about to disappear behind the bush on the right into the reeds.

If you like this, then why not like my Facebook page: Duncan Eames Wildlife Photography

Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge (Cinder Marsh), NH

building near Bittern Lake Alberta

Bittern in the reedbeds, observed from Island Mere hide, RSPB Minsmere reserve, Suffolk. One of the most endangered species and currently on the Red List but, happily, numbers appear to be increasing again.

Slimbridge WWT Gloucester February 2013

Sorry.. Last Two images to show the feeding behaviour of this Bittern

(Love reading your comments, PLEASE - NO PICTURES, AWARDS OR FLASHY BADGES)

This guy was out and about the other morning anf gave me the chance to photograph him in a classic pose. There was heavy cover as you can see but I think it turned out o.k., thanks for stopping by and have a great day and weekend.

Please View On Black