The Hide-Away

It is rare to see a least bittern fly. When it is threatened they will retreat deeper into the reeds or if caught unaware, the bittern will assume their characteristic pose. Flying is usually reserved for moving from the nest to a feeding area or from one feeding area to another.
 A sunny day seems to be the better time to observe least bitterns. It's questionable whether there is more activity on a sunny day or they are simply highlighted by the sunlight. Activity appears to peak out several hours after good daylight and ends by mid morning. The afternoon can also be productive for good sightings, ending several hours before before sundown. A vehicle is a excellent choice as an observation point. My experience has proved that a small darker colored car is a good choice. A larger vehicle such as a van with bright paint, will intimidate wildlife. Slowly driving along a canal or ditch that is lined with reeds and cattails is usually very productive. Locate several of these areas that have good direct sunlight on the far side.

My choice for a comfortable blind is my car, as long as a good road exists close to where I have seen bittern activity. I stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, then sit and wait. If I decide to take pictures, I suspend an old camouflaged rain cape from the sun visor with clothes pins. Placing the camera on a bean bag or a door mount, I allow the lens to protrude through the neck hole in the rain cape. This allows me freedom to move around or make sudden movements without being detected.

Photographing least bitterns can take me to the depths of frustration or to the height of rapture, I've waited for hours, swatting mosquitoes, as I observed and attempted to photograph their secretive movements. Usually the bitterns will resume their activity in ten to fifteen minutes after I park. Things such as another vehicle passing, the noise of the camera shutter or film advance will make them go into hiding. This will vary from day to day, and will vary with different bitterns.

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