Roadside American Bittern at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, OklahomaRoadside American Bittern at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge

While I was driving near Miner’s Cove at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge yesterday, I saw and photographed a surprise American Bittern right after the bird crossed the dirt road.

I took a few photos of the bittern using the door of my Jeep to stabilize my lens, then left voicemails and texted Steve and Bret and told them where the bird was, since I knew they were at the refuge too.

Staring American Bittern portrait, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, OklahomaStaring American Bittern portrait

After parking my Jeep next to the shoulder of the road, I hopped out to see if I could locate the bittern in the slough. These bitterns can be very cooperative, and I was able to get close enough to take well lit, beautiful portraits of the bird.

Migrating American Bittern at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, OklahomaMigrating American Bittern at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge

While waiting for Steve and Bret to show up, I also took a few full body photos of the bittern in the slough. The bird didn’t seem uncomfortable with my presence at all.

American Bittern close up in Oklahoma, Sequoyah National Wildlife RefugeAmerican Bittern close up in Oklahoma

The presence of the American Bittern surprised me because they only migrate through this area and I knew that they are uncommon at the refuge.

American Bittern stare down, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, OklahomaAmerican Bittern stare down

I had this striking American Bittern in my viewfinder, and I took hundreds of photos of them while looking for Steve and Bret to drive up. When I have birds in view that I don’t see often, I take as many photos of them as I can.

Afterall, it could be years before I find and photograph another American Bittern. I found them about once a year or less while I lived in Utah but only photographed them four times.

Bitterns can be extremely hard to spot

American Bittern on migration through Oklahoma, Sequoyah National Wildlife RefugeAmerican Bittern on migration through Oklahoma

The bittern didn’t move much while I had them in my viewfinder; the bird seemed focused on finding breakfast. By the time I took this image, I knew Steve was on the way; I still hadn’t heard from Bret.

American Bittern portrait at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, OklahomaAmerican Bittern portrait at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge

I was so thrilled to have found the American Bittern and to have been able to take close up, intimate portraits of it that I practically danced on the dusty dirt road.

American Bittern in dappled light, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, OklahomaAmerican Bittern in dappled light

When Steve showed up, I was easily able to point out the bittern, and shortly after that I could see Bret driving towards us. I hopped in my Jeep, backed up until Bret reached me, and told him where to pull over to get out to see the bird.

Steve then pointed the bird out to him. The American Bittern was a lifer for Bret.

The American Bittern? Made my day.

Life is good.

Mia

These photos were taken using my Canon R7 with the Canon RF 100-500mm at various focal lengths.

Click here to see more of my American Bittern photos plus facts and information about this species.