I really like seeing Bitterns. For me it is a rare site. I have only ever seen them in New Jersey and Florida. Last year on my Space Coast Birding Festival trip I looked without success for one at Viera Wetlands, but I was delighted to see the same American Bittern twice at Merritt Island NWR, two different days. This year, I saw a Bittern at Viera (this one) and two different Bitterns at Merritt Island. Such wealth!

This specimen moved through the reeds and grasses about 30 feet down the embankment at the edge of the pond for 30 minutes as I watched. All I had to do is wait for the rare occasions when it broke cover.

Canon SX50HS. Program with iContrast and Auto Shadow Fill. –1/3EV exposure compensation. About 1000mm equivalent field of view. f6.5 @ 1/1000th @ ISO 800. Processed in Lightroom for intensity, clarity, and sharpness.