Resting American Bittern at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge

Resting American Bittern at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/200, ISO 2500, -0.3 EV, Canon RF 100-500mm at 400mm, natural light

Nine days after finding a surprise American Bittern at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, I found a bittern again in the same area of the refuge. Maybe it was a different bittern, or perhaps it was the same one I had found nine days earlier; I can’t be sure.

If it was the same American Bittern, I would have expected it to move on to its breeding grounds north of here within that nine day period of time.

Then I wondered, if this American Bittern hatched last year, it might not be ready to breed and maybe, just maybe, it will stick around the refuge for a while instead of heading to its breeding grounds. Some younger birds do that, provided there is enough food in the area to sustain them.

I know I’ve photographed Long-billed Curlews on the Gulf Coast of Florida when they should have been on their breeding grounds.

I photographed this resting American Bittern while using my Jeep as a mobile blind. Later in the morning, I took more photos of the bittern while walking along the edge of the road.

The weather has kept me out of the field for almost a week; I am anxious to get back to the refuge to see if this bittern has stuck around. It would be wonderful to have more opportunities with this bird. I love photographing these wading birds.

I also want to see what other migrant birds have arrived. Spring is definitely an exciting time for bird photography. It is hard to wait for better weather; I can barely contain myself!

Life is good.

Mia

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