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If two words could be used to describe the feeding habits used by least bitterns, they would be "simply amazing." Perched on a small twig or clutching two sturdy nearby reeds, one with each foot, they remind a person of a circus performer. The bittern will study the water below looking for its prey. They can remain fixed in this position for a time that seems like an eternity. If necessary they slowly work their way down towards the water. When they are approximately eighteen inches from the water they are in range, though it would appear that the distance to the water is much too far. Once some unsuspecting minnow is spotted, the bittern will rotate its body using its exceptionally strong feet and legs, until it is in an almost vertical position with the head pointing downward. They can remain in this position indefinitely, and are difficult to spot in this position.
Poised To Strike Now comes the astounding part of the bittern's hunting ability. The neck of the bird slowly extends like a telescope, then ZAP in an explosive move, that takes place in the blink of an eye, it moves the remaining distance to the water. Now the least bittern has returned to its original place with its prey firmly locked in its bill. It isn't often they miss, it's unusual for them to come up empty handed or more appropriately empty billed. |
ZAP! I've observed and photographed in single frame sequence, and I'm still awed by their ability to propel themselves the extreme distance so quickly. Apparently as the bittern thrusts itself toward the water, the legs act like springs propelling the body downward, its neck simultaneously extends covering the remaining distance to the water. How they can position themselves to measure the exact distance to the water is a mystery.
GOTCHA! |
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