The action was happening far out in the field, Harriers and Short Eared Owls, so we stood there shooting what action we could, suddenly some movement caught our eye right out in front of us, to all of our surprise it was an American Bittern. Not since my last trip to Florida have I had the chance to shoot a Bittern so close. Needless to say for the next few minutes it was all lens pointed toward the Bittern.
Great captures Louie. I have only seen one once when visiting Richmond, on the mainland.
Many winter in Washington state and British Columbia:
American Bitterns also winter on the temperate Pacific coast as far north as British Columbia and along the Atlantic coast north to Virginia, Delaware and occasionally New Jersey
morris wrote:
Great looking set Louie. Strange that they would be there this time of year
Morris
Thanks Morris, I think they're here all year long.
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kdacharya wrote:
getting a bittern and that too in flight, amazing. just lovely
Thanks, I was very surprised to have caught this guy out in the open, typically that doesn't happen.
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dclark wrote:
Wow! A very elusive bird, and you got some great images.
Dave
Thanks very much Dave and you are so right they are very elusive.
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Bobg657 wrote:
Amazing to even see one, let alone get great shots like these!
Bob
Fantastic set Louie! I was impressed seeing the first few but then I scrolled down to see your in flight shots of this very elusive bird. Just beautiful work!
Dave
surgemaster wrote:
Wow, Louie. I'd say that this was better than what you were trying for. Amazing.
Rex
Thanks Rex, you are sure right about that.
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Fred Amico wrote:
Excellent set of images, Louie! That's a bird I rarely see, which made viewing these even more enjoyable.
Thanks Fred, we were all sure surprised to have spotted this guy.
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lighthound wrote:
Fantastic set Louie! I was impressed seeing the first few but then I scrolled down to see your in flight shots of this very elusive bird. Just beautiful work!
Dave
Most appreciated Dave, thank you.
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Dave_E wrote:
Great shots Louie. I saw a Least Bittern for the first time this spring, but never the American.
