American bittern (5)

[squirl033]

the American bittern is usually a very shy and reclusive bird... this was only the second one i've seen in 8 years! they normally stay out of sight - a lucky birder might get a glimpse of one half-hidden as it moves through the grass and reeds. i spotted this one at a local marsh, and was shocked that it not only came out into the open, but stayed in the open as it worked its way along a shoreline foraging for minnows, completely oblivious to me as i photographed it for nearly an hour from only 40-60 feet away... the last shot is un-cropped, to give you an idea how close i was. it was a cloudy, dull late afternoon, with an occasional drizzle, so the light wasn't at all favorable, but i was able to get some good shots anyway...

 

[jcdeboever]

Very cool

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[JacaRanda]

That a very nice set. . Like you said, pretty tough get.

 

[Raj_55555]

looks almost the same as the bitterns we get here.. Nice set!

 

[Tuckerjr]

Very nice tough bird to see

 

[GeorgianBayBoy]

You've got to love it when they let you in close like that. Nice Shots!

 

[baturn]

Very nice set! I've never even seen one.

 

[Hunter58]

Awesome set of shots. That's really out in the open alright.

 

[k5MOW]

Very nice

 

[WesternGuy]

Very nice set.

WesternGuy

 

[squirl033]

Thanks, everyone, for the kind comments!

 

[dannylightning]

awesome..