One of the subjects we hope to showcase here are spotlights on amazing creatures and behavior you will only encounter in the field. We hope this will be the first of many species spotlights.

The Phantom of the Marsh

The American Bittern is an incredibly secretive heron that at one time of the year or another, can technically be spotted in nearly every corner of North America. Most people however, will never see this elusive species. Even the most experienced birdwatchers have trouble with this bird, and sometimes go many years at a time without seeing one. The American Bittern can be found in thick fresh or saltwater marshes, and is active at dawn, dusk, and most of all, throughout the night.

The most amazing thing about the American Bittern is its response when a predator is nearby. The second a Bittern spots a possible predator (or photographer), it completely freezes. It then makes its body as thin as it possibly can, and sticks its long skinny beak towards the sky, in order to make itself look like one of the reeds surrounding it. Then it begins to sway slowly back and forth with the reeds as they move with the wind, even trying to match the wind speed!

The call of an American Bittern is, in my opinion, one of the most chilling animal sounds of summer nights. It is incredibly resounding, and when there are a few birds calling back and forth, the sound seems to come from all around you. You can hear it here - [link]

Next time you're in a marsh and there doesn't seem to be much wildlife around, be aware: there may be a Bittern watching you, swaying with the breeze.


Marsh Ghost by *juddpatterson


American Bittern by ~jsegraves99

Note: If any group member wants to write something similar about a species of animal they know well, note us with the content, and we will post it and give you credit.