Wednesday, May 9, 2012

The Least Bittern

These Bitterns have it rough. They're one of the smallest birds in the Heron/Egret/Bittern group. Their larger cousin, the American Bittern, is renowned for its patriotism, even though it too, like the Least Bittern, prefers to hide or flee instead of fight. Perhaps the Least Bittern's trouble is that they are too good at hiding. They're small, quiet, and very well-camouflaged for their reedy habitat.


Usually I see Least Bitterns as they're flying away from me or retreating into the cattails. This past weekend I was fortunate to see four Least Bittern at Tres Rios. Alas, I saw all of them in the usual startle-and-fly method, which always makes me feel like a clumsy unobservant oaf. But as it wasn't yet too hot and I was really hoping for some pictures, I decided to maintain a stake out for one of the birds that flew across the river, but did not disappear entirely.


I could follow the bird through the reeds by observing the swerving plants, and after five or six minutes it emerged at the edge of the cattail hedge to reassess its surroundings.

I totally dig the pin-stripe pattern on the neck. These birds aren't especially uncommon, but their secretive nature and neat coloration ensures that they're always a pleasure to see, and never a sight to take for granted.


14 comments:

  1. I am so envious right now! This is a fabulous series of photos. Glad you had the patience and endurance to capture these wonderful birds in photos. I need to find out exactly where at Tres Rios you found this and how you found them. Great job!

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    1. Thanks Gordon. It's a bit hot and cold with them at Tres Rios. This is the second time I've seen multiples in a single day, but plenty of trips there'll be not a sign. They really seem to be the most active early morning when there's a bit of cloud cover, but that may just be coincidental. At any rate, I'm always glad for birding company. We'll have to scan the swamps some time soon.

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  2. Awesome shots Laurence! I will have to make a trip up there this summer to see it.

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    1. There's something not quite right about somebody trading Tucson for Phoenix to see a bird...
      I woulda thought they'd be down there too?

      At any rate, I hope it works out for you soon. They're temperamental and sometimes I'll go for a while without seeing them, but I hear them pretty regularly and I bet you'd come away with something!

      As for me, I've got to get back down the Southeast AZ and see me a Trogon this spring/summer...maybe with a few Hummingbirds and Flycatchers too, even a Spotted Owl...

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  3. Laurence, I used to see Least Bitterns quite often in a wetlands near where I lived in Florida but I have very few good images of them because they hide so well in the vegetation or they take off very quick when they are approached. Well done getting this one out in the open as much as you did!

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    1. Thanks Mia. Is it possible to see every species of North American Heron/Egret/Bittern/Ibis/Stork/Flamingo in Florida?

      I guess the upside of the Least Bittern's skittish habits is that, if it sticks around, it provides for good shots of the bird in its proper setting (hidden in reeds).

      It's nice to have these treasures hidden away, never knowing when they might turn up. They're had to find but I'm not bitter(n).

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  4. Awesome! I've only ever seen one (they're state-listed as endangered here!) and of course I didn't have my camera. Love that you captured it's eye color! Such a cool species.

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    1. They're a near-ethereal bird it seems, and frustrating to find. But as you say, they're very cool and it's a super rewarding feeling when one finally gets that good look.

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  5. Great captures! I have yet to see to the Least version of the bittern; they are even more elusive than the American Bittern, which can be quite secretive as well. I love how they quickly get in position to blend with the reeds as soon as they've been spotted!

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    1. Thanks Tammy. It's funny, because at Tres Rios the American Bittern is a rare bird to see, and if you do see one it raises quite the local buzz. As you say, it's a pleasure to watch them try and camouflage. I'd give several pennies for the bird's thoughts--I want to know what's going through its mind when it positions itself. Is it all just instinct, or is it conscientiously trying to look like a cattail?

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  6. Awesome! Definitely high on my list of most wanted birds.. You got some great photos...

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    1. Thank you Jen,

      You're racking em' up down there in Patagonia, but hey the Least Bitterns will be waiting in Phoenix if you drive back through.

      Good luck with the rest of your trip.

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  7. WOW!!! Nice work. Excellent captures. These are one of the most difficult to capture.....I've tried and it's not easy. Thanks for sharing:)

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    1. Thanks Chris. When I get something right, y'all are the first to know--it's a pleasure to share.

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