Bird of the Day - American Bittern 29 July 2024

I've only ever found an American Bittern when I haven't been looking for one. This elusive bird is able to effectively disappear into the tall grass. One minute the bird was visible and then it drops down into the grass and disappears.

Today, we were looking for a Pectoral Sandpiper. As we birded from the Van, Andy looked bored in the front street not really into birding today when suddenly, the American Bittern emerged from the grass and flew passed us to the otherside of the street. I am yelling toward Andy excitedly, "Bittern! Bittern! Bittern!". I saw where it dropped and was determined to get a photo. I walked across the road and could see nothing. Then again it emerged from the grass and flew southwest to a more distant field where I could not follow.

What a surprise and a delight.