Bitterns are difficult birds to find and photograph – especially out in the open. I’ve photographed an American Bittern at Magee Marsh a couple of years ago, but never had a good opportunity with Least Bitterns. For the most part, I would catch glimpses of them flying or parts of them through the reeds. A nice run-in with this bird at Viera Wetlands changed this. We came to a spot that had three Least Bitterns hunting out in the open. I wanted to put together a post to share these beautiful birds that we do not see often enough.
I never though I would get two Least Bitterns in the same frame – along with another secretive bird. See the Sora behind them?
It was so great to watch them stalk the fish…
..and guzzle a few down.
But most of all, I enjoyed seeing how they clung to the vertical perches and moved from reed-to-reed with no trouble.
And just in case you wanted a couple of more photos…
