American Bittern

Description:

Heron larger then the Green Heron. Bulky in size. Like most herons, it can pull it's neck in or stretch it out which can give an illusion of two different birds for those who have never seen one. Tend to stay close or in dense reeds. Can stand still for a long time to blend in. Thick neck, pointed bill and short tail. Bold wide brown streaks over white neck. Brown streak patterned back and wings. Greenish legs and light brown eyes. Faint light colored line across the eyes. Bill is brown on top and yellow below.

Habitat:

Ponds, lakes with dense reed borders.

Notes:

At one point when we thought we lost it as it flew into the reeds I heard a noise and saw it snapping at dragonflies. One image you can see the bird eyeing a dragonfly.