Almost two years ago I was in Box Elder County of northern Utah looking for birds to photograph when I located an American Bittern in a marsh.
Spot the American Bittern in a northern Utah marsh – Nikon D810, f13, 1/1000, ISO 320, Nikkor 18-200mm VR at 50mm, natural light
American Bitterns can be very hard to spot at times since they blend into their habitat so well because of their cryptic plumage patterns and because they are so skulky.
There is an American Bittern can be seen in the photo above, can you see it? I promise that the bittern I found is there.
I took this photo at 50mm.
Where is the American Bittern? – Nikon D810, f13, 1/1000, ISO 320, Nikkor 18-200mm VR at 50mm, natural light
I cropped the image above in post processing to allow for a closer view. Can you see the American Bittern yet? Or its reflection?
American Bittern in a northern Utah marsh – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This is the American Bittern that I found in the marsh unassisted by my lens or any other optical devices. This is a crop from the original file taken with my 500mm lens with the 1.4x TC attached which gives me 1050mm of reach on my cropped sensor Nikon D500 body.
Spot the American Bittern in a northern Utah marsh – Isolated
I isolated the American Bittern in the first two images, the bittern is circled in red in both photos.
Pointing this bird out to my companion? Almost impossible.
Where is the American Bittern? – Isolated
I’m grateful that I have excellent long distance vision which does help me tremendously when I am looking for birds in the field.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my American Bittern photos plus facts and information about this species.
First of all…excellent vision notwithstanding, how on earth were you able to spot the Bittern in that landscape without help from the Hubble? That’s absolutely amazing! BTW…your marsh shots are gorgeous. Thanks Mia.
Mia – your landscape photos are beautiful! Saw a Bittern up close at Cheyenne Bottoms, KS in September. We spooked it (not intentionally) and it flew in front of our Van….OMG, the feathers were so beautiful! Thrilling!
Love bitterns, hate tablets.
I found it in the 3rd shot! 😉 I had trouble even finding the red circles — you are AMAZING, Mia! 🙂
Did not know what the Bird looked like so could not find it till you showed her up close. They do blend in to the background.
I once heard an American Bittern but I never did see it. Very frustrating! I am glad you have long distant vision as well!
I found it in the second photo. Just yesterday, I found my first one in the wild. It was much easier to see, because it was tucked into still-green pond plants. I’m happy for the confirmation of my ID!
Terrific, they are so hard to spot, great shots! Thanks for the wide shots so we get a feel for what you were looking at.