American Bittern

Seen...or not...feeding along highway 12, on the southern portion of Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, the American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) is well camouflaged. The bittern spends time on the ground and wading in shallow water hunting for fish, crabs, frogs, eels and a variety of aquatic insects. American Bittern's body is naturally shorter and more round than in these photos. But to avoid predators and as well as when hunting for food, the bittern stretches its neck and stands frozen as a way to blend into the environment.

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