18 Comments
User's avatar
Edie Moody's avatar

The video of the bittern catching crayfish is so fun to watch. Each movement is slow and perfect with the the feet and claws slowly uncurling from the log he is sitting on to step into the water. And then the reverse when he gets his catch and slowly and deliberately steps back up onto the log.

Silas Wareham's avatar

Yes, it was fascinating to watch. I definitely learned a lot more about this bird, which is part of the reason I enjoy capturing the moments like this. Thanks for reading an responding!

Laura B.'s avatar

What a treat! I've never seen one. Thanks for sharing this sighting!

Silas Wareham's avatar

Laura, you are more than welcome. Thanks so much for reading. I sure hope that you get to see one some day!

Walt's avatar

A thunder-pumper!

Silas Wareham's avatar

Thanks, Walt!

Rosanna's avatar

Love the second picture where it's beak lines up with the log behind. It really shows off the bird's ability to camouflage!

Idris Belabed's avatar

Saw one for the first time in February! I was looking at it for minutes without noticing it, until others finger-pointed it to me. Congrats on the sighting

Silas Wareham's avatar

Yes, their camouflage is incredible? Where did you see the bittern?

Idris Belabed's avatar

It was an Eurasian bittern, in a reedbed near where I live (Flanders, Belgium)! Very similar to the American bittern, just a bit larger

Silas Wareham's avatar

Yes it sure does look very similar. Glad you got to see one!

Matt's avatar

Excellent stuff, Silas. Glad the bird was cooperative for you.

Silas Wareham's avatar

Matt, thank you so much for letting me know about it!

alice wareham's avatar

Cool! What a great opportunity.

Silas Wareham's avatar

Yes, it was really cool to observe!

Lewis Holmes's avatar

Glad you had such a nice long time with the cool bird. So strange to contemplate swallowing whole, live, armored and clawed critters, doesn’t seem to bother the bittern one bit.

Silas Wareham's avatar

Yes, I sure was! I noticed that it gave a couple of extra shakes, possibly to get it to slide all the way down? Thanks.