Smitten With Bitterns

by The Birdfreak Team on May 20, 2009

in Horicon Marsh

The following is a series of photos of a most photogenic American Bittern. We visited Horicon Marsh NWR in central Wisconsin and while driving along one of the dike roads (Main Dike Road) we discovered (among MANY) bitterns, this one right next to the road. We were able to stand as close as 5 feet from him and Dakota and Birdfreak fired away close to 500 photos. Please enjoy a few of them!!

Sequence of nabbing prey

American Bittern
American Bittern
American Bittern

The morsel slips on to the bill and away!
American Bittern

American Bittern

American Bittern

American Bittern

Big feet help when you live in a marsh
American Bittern

Classic “Bittern Stretch”
American Bittern

Ultimate camouflage
American Bittern

Five to seven feet away from one way cool bird!
American Bittern

We have much more to report on from our wonderful visit to Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge including a full review of the Audubon Inn, our night’s retreat after a full day of windy birding.

    

{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Arija May 20, 2009 at 3:52 am

A wonderful series of this beauriful bird. Ours here are not so intensely striped.

2 Marvin Smith May 20, 2009 at 11:24 am

Superb shots of the bittern.

3 MaineBirder May 20, 2009 at 11:41 am

Awesome series! The big feet photo is my favorite.

4 Mary Carlson May 21, 2009 at 10:26 am

Great photos! Now, if only I can “see” one for myself! I know, patience and perseverance. Thanks for sharing your photos with us.

5 Lana May 21, 2009 at 4:54 pm

Great shots. I’ve always loved these birds, although I’ve never seen one in “real” life.

6 Stephen May 27, 2009 at 2:40 pm

Thanks for some great pictures . I will keep visiting your site.
Stephen (Australia)

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