Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Least Bittern

 Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis)

This tiny heron - the smallest in North America - is difficult to spot so when one showed up a week ago in Toronto marsh, birders from all over traveled to see this bird. It reminds me a lot of a green heron but is much smaller. It's approximately 30 centimetres (12 inches) in length.

Longer view

This species is not often seen in southern Ontario where wetlands have been lost to development. They build their nests in dense vegetation amongst cattails.

I am connecting to Stewart M's Wild Bird Wednesday HERE

37 comments:

BasiaW said...

Wonderful!!!

Revrunner said...

It's a wonder the bird doesn't suffer from an inferiority complex with a name like that. :-)

Roan said...

He blends in to the background quite well. Lucky you!

The Cranky said...

What a great capture of a cheeky wee fellow!

Viola said...

Stunning photos! :)
And the bird is quite big - and very beautiful! Such a fantastic reflection!

William Kendall said...

Quite a beauty!

Darla said...

Fantastic shot. I'll bet you were quite excited to see this bird show up and of course you had your camera.

Darla

Mersad said...

Amazing Wildlife photography as usual. Love both shots.

Mersad
Mersad Donko Photography

The Furry Gnome said...

What fabulous pictures!

Rose said...

Oh, so wonderful! Sure does blend in.

MadSnapper said...

my first ever sighting of the Least and that name has to mean small because he certainly is not Least in looks... beautiful. i can see the beak/eyes look a lot like the green heron.

Debbie said...

WoW, WoW, WoW.....awesome capture and that reflection really takes it to the top!!!

TexWisGirl said...

wow! these are awesome photos! great sighting!

Halcyon said...

What a fantastic photo! You should sell that first one to a birding magazine, it's soooo good. Love that you got to see an "exotic" species in your own backyard. ;-)

Judy said...

A perfect shot!

Lisa Gordon said...

What a beautiful bird, and these reflections are really wonderful.

Linda W. said...

Beautiful shot and nice reflection too.

Sylvia K said...

Great sighting indeed!! Terrific captures and what a gorgeous bird and perfect reflection as well! You do indeed get the most awesome shots!! Thanks for sharing, as always!!

Unknown said...

What a lovely bird. I like the eyes..
Great photo!

Hugs
JetteMajken

RedPat said...

Fabulous shots, EG! You were so lucky to see him!

eileeninmd said...

Cool sighting! So happy you were able to get these great shots! The reflection is awesome!

Rohrerbot said...

Oh my gosh! I am so jealous! I've only seen this tiny bird from a distance! These are gorgeous photos! Nice work!

Ginny Hartzler said...

Your pictures are stunning, with wonderful reflections! Well, I did not know that Bitterns are Herons! And I am a bird watcher, shame on me!! But I have noticed that they look so much like the Green Herons. I DO know that they are very secretive and will stay hidden, so your find is outstanding.

Stephanie said...

Lucky you to see this one, he is a beauty!

Hootin Anni said...

Spectacular!!!

Kathy said...

I've never even heard of this bird. Blogging is so educational!

Cloudia said...

Delightful new sight for me! Thank You




ALOHA from Honolulu
ComfortSpiral
=^..^= . <3 . >< } } (°>

Lois said...

Oh my goodness, what a beautiful bird! I love the reflection.

Ruth Hiebert said...

You got fantastic shots of this bird. How special is that,first to see an uncommon bird and then to photograph it.

Jack said...

Perfect!!!

Susan said...

Congratulations on your wonderful shot of this bird...what a great find!

Krishna/കൃഷ്ണ said...

Beautiful & Interesting

thanks

Breathtaking said...

Fabulous shots of this little Heron, great reflections too!

Small City Scenes said...

WWOW! This guy is really cool. Super color and reflection. MB

Unknown said...

Beautiful! I like the reflections.

orchid0324 said...

Wow; awesome pictures of rare little heron, EG♡♡♡ I also LOVE the BEAUTIFUL reflection.

Sending Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*

Susan Anderson said...

The name of this bird intrigued me so much I was distracted from the photo.

Just goes to show me once again that I am more verbal than visual, especially considering what a great capture you made here.

=)

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East Gwillimbury is a rural town less than an hour north of Toronto, Canada's largest city. My family calls me CameraGirl because I take my camera with me wherever I go.