This Sunday evening after sunset (~8:20 pm) I had the pleasure of watching
an American Bittern (I'm thinking juvenile---did not have the very dark neck
stripe from base of beak) for about 8 minutes, from the causeway in Juanita
Bay Park (thrill! thirll!) Fortunately this spot is in the open and the
light was still plenty good enough to make note of plumage coloration,
markings, etc. When I first saw the bird, it was not more than 8 to 10 feet
away, and was no more than 10 to 12 feet most of the time I watched it.
Definitely too close to focus my binocs on, and I didn't need to!

This beautiful bird was in a shallow area with sparse reeds and bits of wood
and boards, stalking about and occasionally stabbing after the little fish
that were disturbing the surface amongst the duckweed. When I first came up
to the rail, I was expecting a Green Heron, but quickly realized that it was
most certainly NOT (I've been seeing both adult and juv Green Herons for
weeks now, every couple of days). At my approach, it momentarily went into
"Bittern mode" with beak pointed straight up, and as it was partially facing
me, the lovely neck streaks showed up well. Then it turned and moved slowly
about its business, with many still moments also. The back was the most
lovely, subtle mix of browns. The bird finally wandered through the reeds
and onto a board out at the edge of the reeds, facing the open lake, at
which point it again took up the typical Bittern pose, pointing the beak up
and stretching out that neck. Then it gathered itself and flew south along
the shore and disappeared around the corner up the channel which comes from
the beaver pond.

Wow. It was exciting enough to see one at all, but to have the opportunity
to watch it at such close quarters for such a length of time! The only
other time I've seen a Bittern was up in the Skagit Delta a LONG time ago,
hence my excitement...and it's great to be able to share it with folks who
appreciate the feeling. Thanks, Tweeters!

Dee
Kirkland, WA
beachdee at hotmail.com