American Bittern… aka "thunder-pumper", "stake-driver", "mire-drum". Though not often seen, their sounds are commonly heard in the Refuge marshes this time of year. These secretive marshbirds frequent shorelines and vegetation edges that are dominated by tall emergent wetland plants. Their calls - loud, low, resonant, pumping sounds - are used to communicate within the thick vegetation, apparently to defend territory and find mates. This individual was both heard and seen (through a spotting sco

The American Bittern is one of the marsh’s most elusive hunters, moving with slow precision through dense reeds. Designed to vanish in a heartbeat, it rarely offers a clear view. I had to line up a perfect gap in the vegetation to capture these moments as it slipped through the wetlands in search of its next meal. #americanbittern #bittern #birds #nature #wildlife #sonyalpha #wildlifevideos | Amber Favorite Photography

American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) | BIRDS & Nature