This slow moving sometimes statuesque guy with his remarkable camouflage typically stays hidden in the cover of dense reed beds making him difficult to see as pictured below.
How easy would it be to miss this guy as he peers from the dense vegetation?
LEFT-CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE
If discovered / alarmed, an American Bittern freezes in his tracks and stands motionless with his bill pointed straight into the air thereby blending in with the reeds. He is a true master of disguise and interestingly enough as large as he is he only weighs about a pound.
As luck would have it this guy came skulking through the dense marsh vegetation searching for food and stepped into an opening . After remaining motionless for quite some time this stealth hunter slowly eased up on a frog and picked him off with a sudden strike of his bill.
How do you like this guy's hairdo? :)
Below is a short video clip of the American Bittern disappearing into the dense marsh vegetation to dine in privacy after catching the frog. This slow and deliberate guy with his excellent camouflage vanishes from view seemingly right before your very eyes. Sorry for the slight out-of-focus clip.
Left-click on the arrow below to view the short video clip
Hope you enjoyed the narration and pics of this not often seen bird
Best,
'Tom
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