Last week, the American Bittern. This week a smaller bittern and a bit more elusive even if it's considered a year 'round resident on the coast; the Least Bittern. Both bitterns are of the heron family. Usually when spotted they're very well hidden and/or difficult to find a good position with the camera to actually get a decent photograph. When I did see it this time, at first sight, its head was the only thing protruding from the tall reed grasses. As I stood and watched it, it was getting primed for a hunt!! It slowly, quietly, and deftly maneuvered itself through the cattail reed to water's edge and remained very stealthy not moving anything but its eyes...soon, BAM!!! The catch of the day. Just look at the magnificent stretching of the neck to feast upon its prey, and STILL remain attached by its hind feet on the thin blades, nearly tripling its length!!
photos taken: Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center - Port Aransas, Texas
habitat range: Least Bittern
Now, share your birding experiences:
Wonderful pictures and beautiful mosaics. And that place the Leona Turnbull Ctr is where I first saw this bird and so many others. I actually met Leona! Loved Port A ...you are lucky to live there.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that you got a chance to meet the lady for whom the center is named is awesome. thanks Sallie.
DeleteHi Anni, cool captures of the Least Bittern! They are awesome birds to see. Great sighting.. Thanks for hosting, enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDelete...thanks Eileen.
Deletethose are just AWESOME shots! GREAT catch by you!
ReplyDelete...thanks Ms. T
DeleteYou summed it up well Anni. That is hunting with a capital "H" and you did a fantastic job in capturing the stealth of the bittern.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to join in today.
...thanks Phil
DeleteAwesome shots! I love the last one. Thanks for hosting, Anni!
ReplyDelete...thanks Gunilla
DeleteYou got some great shots. It looks like you were climbing along right with him.
ReplyDelete...thanks Sharon...but really I was on 'dry dock'. lol
DeleteFantastic pictures.
ReplyDelete...thanks Adam
DeleteWow! That stretch! Such an amazing bird! And your photos are like green and gold jewels, and just as clear!
ReplyDelete...thanks Marie. I like the reference to the green and gold jewels.
DeleteOh Anni, what awesome shots! That's one handsome bird!
ReplyDelete...thanks Karen.
DeleteAnni, splendid bird. Only saw one once and that was on the fly. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete...thank YOU Doug
DeleteUnbelievable skill is seen in this hunt.The photographer also shows great skill and patience.
ReplyDelete...thanks Ruth. I was so enthralled with the bird's prowess I kept snapping.
DeleteOh my GOSH, you got super pictures!! You must have been so quiet, as this bird is so secretive and hidden most of the time. This is a really rare find in my book. Most people will never see one, I think.
ReplyDelete...thank you Ginny
DeleteOutstanding photos of this gorgeous bird Anni. What an amazing bird!
ReplyDeleteOh, Bittern has such long and unique beak; wow the neck in the last picture♪ Such great captures, Anni. And ï½”hank you very much for hosting.
ReplyDeleteSending Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*
...thanks Miyako
Deletethese are stunning shots of the Bittern Anni.
ReplyDelete...thanks Margaret
Deletethanks for stopping by today... we have been up since 3. we are early people and wake up at 4 drink coffee in bed until 5.. this is a beautiful bird. great shots to... i to am a senior and retired on gulf coast, but we are in Bradenton, below Tampa...
ReplyDeleteHi Sandra...Thanks for dropping in today.
DeleteBTW...I am Anni...aka Hootin' Anni
...thanks JoAnn
ReplyDelete...thanks Felicia
ReplyDeleteBrilliant images. well done on catching this bird on camera, amazing how it stretches out like that.
ReplyDelete...thank you so much Suzie.
Deletewhat a beauty....and a very interesting "reach"!!!! amazing captures, a very thrilling sighting i would imagine!!!
ReplyDelete...thanks Debbie. I'm glad you shared your link today!! Wonderful egret images.
DeleteI really liekd the last image. How on earth does it do that. Such a long neck and that angle. Amazing. Your shot is a winner. :)
ReplyDeleteah, forgot, I love the two birds in your header. So cleverly done. :)
ReplyDeleteA very interesting bird and wonderful photos.
ReplyDeleteA.M.A.Z.I.N.G
ReplyDeleteFabulous shooting, Anni! Amazing how athletic and focused they are on catching their prey. Thank you so much for hosting the meme.
ReplyDeleteHe's like that stretchy superhero, rubber man or something. Where does he hide that neck?
ReplyDeleteVery neat photo of the bittern! He has such a long neck he could almost be a giraffe!
ReplyDeleteWhat SUPER shots and I bet that was super fun to watch and then see such great photos in the end!
ReplyDeleteThis is for sure one of the most amazing birds you have ever posted! And I remember your first post about it. I love how you have done the pictures
ReplyDeletestunning image's, very well presented in this lovely post, well done again Anni
ReplyDeleteWow.... is that ever a streeeeeetch..... !!
ReplyDeleteOhw wow !!!! An American bittern !!! What a moie bird and what cool that you saw this and could foot Cabling. The bittern see you almost never because he is so shy but you leave here a series prachgie see. What a beautiful colors, this bittern.
ReplyDeleteI tried a blog post today emt birds and otherwise tomorrow.
Greetings, Helma