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
Wonderful!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonder the bird doesn't suffer from an inferiority complex with a name like that. :-)
ReplyDeleteHe blends in to the background quite well. Lucky you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great capture of a cheeky wee fellow!
ReplyDeleteStunning photos! :)
ReplyDeleteAnd the bird is quite big - and very beautiful! Such a fantastic reflection!
Quite a beauty!
ReplyDeleteFantastic shot. I'll bet you were quite excited to see this bird show up and of course you had your camera.
ReplyDeleteDarla
Amazing Wildlife photography as usual. Love both shots.
ReplyDeleteMersad
Mersad Donko Photography
What fabulous pictures!
ReplyDeleteOh, so wonderful! Sure does blend in.
ReplyDeletemy 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.
ReplyDeleteWoW, WoW, WoW.....awesome capture and that reflection really takes it to the top!!!
ReplyDeletewow! these are awesome photos! great sighting!
ReplyDeleteWhat 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. ;-)
ReplyDeleteA perfect shot!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful bird, and these reflections are really wonderful.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shot and nice reflection too.
ReplyDeleteGreat 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!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely bird. I like the eyes..
ReplyDeleteGreat photo!
Hugs
JetteMajken
Fabulous shots, EG! You were so lucky to see him!
ReplyDeleteCool sighting! So happy you were able to get these great shots! The reflection is awesome!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! I am so jealous! I've only seen this tiny bird from a distance! These are gorgeous photos! Nice work!
ReplyDeleteYour 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.
ReplyDeleteLucky you to see this one, he is a beauty!
ReplyDeleteSpectacular!!!
ReplyDeleteI've never even heard of this bird. Blogging is so educational!
ReplyDeleteDelightful new sight for me! Thank You
ReplyDeleteALOHA from Honolulu
ComfortSpiral
=^..^= . <3 . >< } } (°>
Oh my goodness, what a beautiful bird! I love the reflection.
ReplyDeleteYou got fantastic shots of this bird. How special is that,first to see an uncommon bird and then to photograph it.
ReplyDeletePerfect!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your wonderful shot of this bird...what a great find!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful & Interesting
ReplyDeletethanks
Fabulous shots of this little Heron, great reflections too!
ReplyDeleteWWOW! This guy is really cool. Super color and reflection. MB
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I like the reflections.
ReplyDeleteWow; awesome pictures of rare little heron, EG♡♡♡ I also LOVE the BEAUTIFUL reflection.
ReplyDeleteSending Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*
The name of this bird intrigued me so much I was distracted from the photo.
ReplyDeleteJust goes to show me once again that I am more verbal than visual, especially considering what a great capture you made here.
=)