Secret in the Marsh

The American Bittern is perfectly designed to disappear among the reeds of the marsh. I saw two fly in and more about at Green Cay, but when it came time to photograph them, I could only find this one. Its streaking almost perfectly camouflaged it, making it nearly invisible ...

American Bittern

American Bittern

Camouflage, small size, and dense sedges combine to make the Least Bittern almost invisible. I have been in wetlands where the only sighting was when the bird suddenly flew up and dropped back among the reeds, or as a speck in a spotting scope focused on a distant edge of reeds. More likely, it gets checked on the day's list when it vocalizes somewhere in the marsh. So it was a special treat when this female stalked her way into view ...

Least Bittern (female)

Least Bittern (female)

Least Bittern (female)

The Sora will occasionally be bold and walk into view ... but not often in the northern marshes, where we hear it but do not often see it. So at Green Cay it was yet another treat to glimpse this secret in the marsh ...

Sora

Sora

Sora

Good Birding !!