Can you see the Bittern?

Have you ever seen an American Bittern? They are not easy to spot. I was aware of their penchant for standing in dry reeds with beak pointing upwards (and even swaying "in the wind") but I had never seen it in real life until a couple of week-ends ago. I managed to get a few shots. There was one where the bird was quite "invisible" but I thought this one was a better choice for the blog.

By the way, they also have an amazing call which to me sounds like a loud and deep "glug, glug". I saw this one doing it and it is interesting to watch as well as to hear because the bird inflates its throat to make the noise.

A photographic long week-end

Once again I am making a "lazy" post by just putting up some recent photos! In any event I hope they convey a sense of the spring treasures that I came across this lovely long week-end.


Male Yellow Warbler
Jack-in-the-pulpit

Gray Squirrel

Tree Swallow

Painted Turtle

Green Heron

Finding a Green Heron is exciting enough but getting to photograph one as it goes through some sort of feather ruffling exercise was a real treat. Here is the dapper fellow before, during and after! In the fourth photo he reminds me of a British butler asking for one's hat and coat.
: -)

A couple of critters and lots of spring wildflowers

What could be better than a beautiful week-end in Spring? I took advantage of the fine weather to check out my favorite wildflower area in a local nature park and I wasn't disappointed! The abundance of flowers and the interesting variety made the place a true treasure trove. The addition of a cute Red Squirrel and a "just as cute" Garter Snake made the experience even more special.


Red Squirrel




Garter Snake



Bloodroot




Hepatica

Carolina Spring Beauty

Dutchman's Breeches

Trout Lily (or Dog-toothed Violet)

Colt's foot

Red Trillium