Bitterns

Bitterns are among the most ellusive birds in North America. According to Pete Dunne's Essential Field Guide Companion, the American bittern has a "penchant for ridged immobility and a flair for not being seen". Those of us who have heard the bird's "thumper pumper" call and been so frustrated by not being able to find the bird among the reeds know what Dunne is talking about. The least is at minimum just as secretive, but the fact that he is so much smaller than the American makes him even more difficult to find. And so, on this day in March in Florida, when both bitterns were found and photographed by yours truly, the day was all the more special. Both birds turned up in Viera Wetlands north of Melbourne. We were on day 2 of a five day trip with the Mearns Birding Club from Orange County New York. The Least was a life bird for several of us and it was the first time I was able to get a decent photograph of the bird. Having people around us to share the experience with made for great day.