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Having stood in the cold for a couple of hours, I was rewarded with a good sighting of a bittern. He or she stalked along the reeds just across the water from us for some time, and even caught and ate a fish.
Just as I was getting ready to give up finding this bird, it actually flew right in front of me. Wow!
Family: Ardeidae.
Species: Botaurus stellaris.
Vernacular: Eurasian Bittern, Great Bittern.
Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk.
21 April 2013.
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American Bitterns are large, solitary, cryptic birds. They are most often found deep in reeds where they blend in seamlessly. Occasionally, you may find them basking in the sun with their neck tilted up standing dead still.
In Florida, they are found in the wetlands, during the winter and sometimes into late spring.
I was in Florida a few weeks ago and saw some young Bitters very close to the spot I had photographed in May. A woman told me these were the second hatlings of the year.
This one is staring down at the water looking for something to eat I asumed.
Southeast Florida Wetlands
Least Bitterns are a rare treat for birders as they're not often seen. This individual was photographed along the Pickleweed trail adjacent to the Carquinez Strait in Martinez, CA.
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