American Bittern
So who do I see come strolling out of the swamp yesterday but this American Bittern!? The bittern is not an extremely rare bird for us, but it is an uncommon and generally secretive bird. On the occasion I do get a glimpse of one, it is usually hidden back in the reeds where it blends it very well.
This one surprised me by coming out into the clear, offering an opportunity for a few photos. Once the bittern realized it was potentially spotted however, it stopped and went into it’s deceptive camouflage mode.
These birds will point their bills straight up making themselves as vertical as possible to blend in with the surrounding reeds and vegetation. Then they will rhythmically rock and sway back and forth to mimic the effect the breeze will have in slowly moving the nearby plants from side to side. This tactic, combined with the bittern’s natural coloration, often make it extremely difficult to see in the marshy areas it prefers to inhabit.
Phil Lanoue Photography 
Grazie per le spiegazioni e complimenti per le foto, sono fantastiche, stupende.
Ciao Phil, un salutone. Pat
Sono contento che ti è piaciuto le foto e la spiegazione Pat!
awesome is camouflage method, great set as usual.
Have a nice afternoon Phil
Thank you Sophie, I appreciate you looking and glad you liked these bittern photos!
Very intent in the search…Look at those eyes!
He really was very intent for sure! Especially when he first emerged from behind the reeds when he was in full hunt mode!
Well that’s a pleasant surprise! What a thrill when a secretive bird like that comes out for visit. Great captures.
It was a very nice surprise and a thrill! I was out there with a couple friends and we all said it was certainly a worthwhile afternoon at the swamp!
Oh, and mom was out too, don’t want to leave her out of the conversation and risk hurt feelings.
Oh yes, say hi to mom.
Will do.
Wow, amazing pictures, and great close-ups, I wonder how do you get those close-ups so great? I tried testing out my camera lens yesterday for a close up of ice, (yes its still snowing here and ice too, I live 200 miles from the Canadian Border) and, the closer I got, the more blurry it seemed to get on my lens, your pictures are amazing and how you get closeups of these beautiful creatures, how do you do it????
Hey Linda, thanks a bunch, glad you liked the bittern!
Taking close ups of ice is different then birds which I use a telephoto lens to get those photos. Are you using a macro lens for the ice photos? That should work.
Street-smarts 😀 I love that fourth pic!!! ( i love the rest of them too)
The bittern is a cool bird, thanks for checking them out Paula!
He certainly does blend. that was very interesting reading. I bet these guys are shy. Really pretty , the colors!
They are marked and colored perfectly for blending in and yes they are shy birds. Pretty though. 🙂
These are simply amazing Phil.
I greatly appreciate the kind comments Edith, thank you.
Terrific shots and explanation of the bird’s camouflage methods.
Hey thanks very much! I’m happy you liked the bittern photos and the explanation of its behavior.
Wow! You must have been right next to this bird. How neat you got to see and photograph it’s camo technique.
He was close and I was lucky he decided to freeze and do his whole routine rather then just take off.
There’s that thing about the right place at the right time and the talent to take advantage of it. Great shots!!!
Well I was quite thrilled this guy not only showed up, but walked right out in the clear for me.
Phil, what marvellous pictures! To capture a bittern at all is quite a feat but to capture it in camouflage mode in such closeup is incredible! You clever man!
I got lucky this time and was just happy the bittern cooperated!
Thanks Maggie!
What gorgeous plumage he has, Phil. Great close-ups. 🙂
Thank you Sylvia, it was a treat to see this guy!
Sorry I have not been able to get at your blog recently, I’ve had health issues for several weeks now and have undergone two procedures on my back just this past week. I’m hoping things improve soon. 🙂
So sorry to hear about your health issues, Phil. I’m in Johannesburg for a week, so haven’t been around the blogs much, but can’t resist looking to see what you’ve posted. 🙂
I’m very happy you still check in to see the latest happenings over at the marsh Sylvia.
I had another procedure on Friday and right now I’m wondering if the cure was worse then the disease.
Wonderful!
Thanks very much for checking these out!
Sorry I have not been able to get at your blog recently, I’ve had health issues for several weeks now and have undergone two procedures on my back just this past week. I’m hoping things improve soon. 🙂
Feel better! Back pain is the worst.
Thanks, but right now I’m wondering if the cure was worse then the disease.
Awesome!!!
Thanks very much!
Wow Phil! These are extraordinary shots! I love the eyes!!!!
I’m glad you liked seeing our unusual little visitor!
Such wonderful close-ups of these infamous shy guys! So very lovely.
Glad you enjoyed seeing the bittern. I was thrilled he came over to say hello!