A long hot day inspired me to go and check out the seasonal pools at the pits, mainly for dragonflies but also for shorebirds. The water is slipping away quickly but there should be some good shorebirding in August whereas the Chemin du l’Anse looks very unlikely to produce a shorebird unless they have legs three feet long.
As I worked though the grasses I noticed an American Bittern in ‘can’t see me’ posture.
But I could and so I did a bit of fat bloke stalking and it just held its ground allowing a close approach if not a full view.
At this point I noticed a line of downy feathers poking out from the crown stripes so is it a recently fledged bird or do adults have this feature. I soon realised why I could see this, it had gone from hide mode to threat mode in one quick movement. I backed off a little so as to not stress it but it followed me down to about 2m, then it began bill snapping and hissing so I just stood and watched as this crazy American Bittern tried to force my 206 lbs out of its area.
I took more photos, obviously, before it suddenly stood up and jogged off through the high grass grunting along as it went. I was very impressed by its decision to go on the offensive and really enjoyed the close encounter. I’ve still not pinned down a marsh hunting bird for the ‘ultimate’ American Bittern shot but I will.
You lookin at me? I said you lookin at me? Well, there’s nobody else here so you lookin at me?
I’m noticing more Monarchs recently.
Did you really expect to get away without any odes! Amber Spreadwing at the pits
Saffron-winged Meadowhawk, another for the year.
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