American Bittern

 On yet another grey day, I went for a walk in the park. If I wait for the weather to clear, my body might seize up. Over the summer I have heard the American Bittern at Long Pond but couldn't see it there, despite many efforts.

Quite by accident I have seen as many as three American Bittern in Goulds. On one occasion, three lifted off just ahead of me and flew into the distance.

Yesterday, while walking around the park, I looked up and there was a bittern flying over my head. This was quite some distance from the water. I don't know where it came from or where it was going.

I just thought that was nice and nothing more. I went on with my walk and sometime later I was crossing a walking bridge and spotted this thin head and neck sticking up and out of the talk grass. I froze in my tracks and watched.

It quickly ducked down and disappeared. I waited. In about ten minutes, I spotted its head sticking out of the grass at the water's edge. It was being so cautious. After only moments there, it disappeared again.

Another short wait and I spotted the American Bittern once again poking its head up through the grass. It seemed to be checking the safety of movement.

 In a flash it jumped into the air to make a short flight. Its long wings surrounded its legs and formed a skirt, kind of like a "hoop" skirt of old.

It is pretty special to see this bird when not in flight because it has the great ability to blend in with the surroundings and disappear. The advantage now is that the grass is all green and its brown colors really stand out.  As the natural surrounding change, this tropical looking bird will be able to pop up right in front of you and trust that it won't be seen.

After only moving about ten feet it spread its wings to go in for a landing and then it quickly disappeared again.

American Pipit - Cape Spear

Last Sunday morning I went to Cape Spear in search of sea birds that might be flying by. What I found was large flocks of Murres and Puffins sitting on the water and flying by. There was the occasional Gannet diving to spice up the panorama.

Within seconds the first whale showed itself. Then, I began to see them everywhere. At any given time there were about ten in my view. The question was where to look.  They were in every direction and they were showing their tail, flapping the water with their fins and there was the occasional breach.

 I, along with the many other spectators, was enthralled. I wanted to see the full 180 degree view all at the same time. Amid all of this whale action, three little American Pipits flew onto the rocks in front of me.

I haven't seen many American Pipits. The first time was late last summer in a farmer's field in Goulds. I could only see its head as it was standing in tall grass. The second time was more of a challenge. Another birder and I were scouring the Southern Shore for birds in the fall when she spotted a small, brown, non-descript bird on the shore. I posted a report of that lengthy search to finally identify the little bird as an American Pipit.

This time a group of three just landed within a stone's throw of me, but I was too preoccupied with the whale display going on to really try to get any good pictures. I intended to return because I saw more of these little birds around Cape Spear when walking back to my car.

I did make it back to the Cape on the Tuesday but the sun was out, it was warm and the whales were frolicking all around and very close to shore, too. How could I leave that display to hunt for the pipits?  Why haven't I been back? Well, it is called Rain, Drizzle and Fog mixed with high winds! If these relentless conditions ever pass, I will return.