I saw a bittern at the refuge to day that had both unusual facial
coloring, as well as unusual behavior. Every few minutes, the bird
would open its mouth like it was gagging, and it was pale red around
the gape and the eyes. I have not observed that before. Is this
breeding color/behavior? It was puffing up like it was getting ready
to chug, and per a follow on birder, it did so on several occasions.

Here's a link to a photo... http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephen_parsons/4488546886/

Feel free to send me a note off line if you know what's going on with
the bird...

Steve
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