Way too many mornings this summer, I was up between 4:00 – 5:00 a.m. and on the road within 20 minutes, headed to Kiowa Wetland. My goal was to be in my kayak and on the water at least 15 minutes before sunrise. My hope was that I could find a cooperative subject and get into position by the time the sun lit up the cattails. Seldom did that pan out. Least Bitterns are secretive and can hide, even in plain sight, all too well. But through diligence, I returned time after time to get some behavior shots of this species.
Bitterns appear to be pretty short in stature when they are perched and not active. Like other members of the heron family, they stand motionless watching for the slightest movement in the water.
It is quite impressive to watch a Least Bittern hunt. After detecting movement, it stretches out its neck and legs, and strikes very fast. Also, it amazes me how they can pick themselves back up out of the water by the power of their legs.
Bitterns are considerably smaller than Great Blue Herons. In fact, the larger herons have been known to eat bitterns.
Bitterns don’t just pick prey off the surface of the water. They can plunge their head deep underwater to grasp a meal.
The bittern is a master at moving through the cattails. It is adept at grasping vegetation with its long toes, enabling the bird to move either horizontally or vertically through the vegetation, and can disappear quickly.
The shape of the bittern makes it look a little awkward in flight with its gangly legs. But its long powerful wings help it take to the air.
Behavior shots of animals can be challenging to record. However, if you spend enough time, you can get a glimpse into their daily lives. Imagine stopping in for a short visit with a friend. The friend will probably drop everything and pay attention to you. Now imagine spending days at their home. You will learn a lot more about their routine. It is the same with wildlife. Seeing animals is one thing. But truly spending time with a species gives you a much greater appreciation of their adaptations and what it takes to survive, day to day.
Well done, a tough subject for sure.
Thanks Scott. It was worth the effort.
Very well done Mr. Stan. We are trusting that you are well and still enjoying your activities.
Don
Thank you Don. I am doing well. My latest subject has been Virginia Rails. These are even more challenging.
Loved these photos. The least bittern is a fascinating little bird. I have a friend, not a birder, who snarkily asks me about the “most bittern.” Thanks for getting up so early so many times!
Thanks for the comments Carol. I hope you are enjoying some summer travels.
Fascinating bird. Thank you Stan..for all the work you put into your photography.
It is good to hear from you Sue. I hope you are doing well.
THANKS STAN; THAT IS AMAZING. WHAT A LESSEN IN NATURE. CONTINUOUS LEARNING
JIM TIERNEY
There is always more to learn in nature.
Great pictures, Stan. They look a bit prehistoric?
Thanks Tricia. Yes, like other herons, they do look a little prehistoric.
WOW!! Great pictures! I was able to see a Least Bittern flying at Kiowa earlier this year. I went there because of a Post I saw from you on the IOU Listserve. Thanks!
Thank you Jerry. It is always great to hear from you. I am glad you were able to see the bitterns this year at Kiowa.