FreeLists / va-richmond-general / [va-richmond-general] American bittern @ The Wetlands (JRPS)

["JANICE FRYE" <jjfdc@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I decided to take a break from paperwork near dusk and hunt for barred owls
at the Wetlands on Landria Dr. (James River Park System).   No luck with the
owls-great horned owls are regulars these days, probably nesting.  I suspect
they have either eaten or driven out the barred owls, most likely upriver
toward Pony Pasture (anyone able to confirm this?).  Since it wasn't as dark
as I expected, I spent some time poking around the pond in case something
interesting might have stopped in on the trip north.  Just as I was about to
leave, the bittern walked quietly in front of me in the pool that is
straight across from the big cedar in the meadow.  Not sure if it would be
visible from the blinds at the pond due to all the brush, but it hid in the
tall, spiky clumps of grassy stuff in the pool.  I amused myself by walking
as much of a circle around it as the terrain allowed and watching it adjust
its position as mine changed-good training opportunity for the eyes!  I
heard a sound at the time it decided to hide that could have been a warning
it gave to a second bird, but I can't say for sure and it is hard to
describe it.  If anyone else sees it I would appreciate hearing about it.  I
can't get back again until at least midday if at all.  Of course I had no
camera since it was raining.

 

Jan

Richmond