Thursday, April 17, 2014

American Bittern!

I was lucky enough yesterday to spot the movement of a larger bird on the edge of the marsh as I was driving down the 7th Line.  My brain slowly connected realizing this was something unusual, and I braked to a stop, then backed up 100 yards.  It was an American Bittern!  Though it may have been the movement of the two ducks that I spotted.

 In comparison to the duck swimming away, you can hardly see the bittern against the brown vegetation.

Remarkably, it stayed put as I took several pictures.  I got a much better view as it walked out into the water a little, still following the ducks.

The bittern has the most interesting bird call I"ve ever heard, a deep 'galumpf' that sounds for all the world like someone pounding a stake into the ground.  One of its names is 'Stakedriver'. you're much more likely to hear it in the distance than see it.

This photo shows you the bird in its habitat - still a little snow from the 3" we got on Tuesday.

Unbeknownst to the readers of this blog, I've been teaching an on-line university course this semester, just for fun.  It's on the Landscape of Scotland.  Anyway, I need to take a few days off to wrap up a large pile of marking.  Be back next week sometime.


15 comments:

  1. Cool sighting of the bittern! Awesome bird and photos!

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  2. He blends into the background so well, super photo of the reflection. Great online course, you'll be busy for a few days. Cheers, Jean.

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  3. Boy that bird is a hard one to spot. Great job!

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  4. He really hides well in the brown of spring reeds:)

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  5. It's a beautiful, and distinctive looking bird.

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  6. Lucky you for seeing the American Bittern. I have seen one of those only very rarely. They sure blend into their surroundings. Nice captures!!

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  7. Lucky seeing the bird.
    I love Scotland and lived there for 4 years,

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  8. Very interesting bird...
    Kudos on the teaching job!
    My Father was from Scotland♥️
    Enjoy your Easter...
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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  9. Best of luck grading papers. I have only seen this bird once in my life. Awesome. Another name here is thunder pumper

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  10. I think I have seen pictures of them but never in real life. You had a good eye to see that as it was very much blended in with it surroundings.

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  11. Great catch on a bird that is seldom seen. Never underestimate luck when dealing with wildlife.

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  12. Amazing! I've been learning a lot about birds this week :)

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  13. He blends in so well, you could look right at him and not see. Great shot.

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  14. He sure does blend in, wonderful capture and an amazing reflection!!

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  15. So glad you saw him and shared this with us.

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