This is a shy solitary bird most of us know little about. They hide well and become almost invisible. This set is one of the few that I have ever shot.

They most always face towards to sky. This helps them blend into the reeds and swamps where they live.

“The American bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) is a species of wading bird in the heron family of the Pelican order of bird. It has a Nearctic distribution, breeding in Canada and the northern and central parts of the United States, and wintering in the U.S. Gulf Coast states, all of Florida into the Everglades, the Caribbean islands and parts of Central America.”…Wikipedia

This Bittern did the normal ‘freeze in place’ when he knew we had spotted him. If you walk away, even a short distance and turn back there is nothing. They have mastered the art of disappearing.

Almost never do you see one in the open space like this bird. We know he lives right in this small section of swamp, search for him from the dry trail, and at best see his head sticking up.