Re: probable Least Bittern at Nik & Nik's ponds

Observers: Andy Zdon
Email: mtnbooks@yahoo.com
Remote Name: 209.221.221.91
Date: 07/08/2005
Time: 09:06 PM -0400

Sighting

Went out to look around noon this afternoon with no luck. Back out around 3:30-4:00 and spotted two adult and one juvenile Least Bittern. Best look was of adult male preening himself in the open (relatively) just on south edge of reeds. Nice dark cap grading into a thin chestnut like color which extended somewhat down nape of neck then buffy face. Breast area was very light. Bright yellow legs. Very dark back. He preened for about five minutes (as opposed to the 5-second looks they've been giving!). They seem really sensitive to quick movements and noise. The other adult and juvenile only provided very short (about 5-second) looks.