Green Heron doing Bittern pose

He may have seen a bittern in this classic defensive pose, but actually this was the herons reaction to another bird overhead. I found this fellow out in the middle of a duckweed covered slough, hunting for lunch. He did eventually catch a large bullfrog tadpole (image posted Avian forum). Shot at Ridgefield NWR
Canon 40D, 600mm f4.l F/5.6 1/1000 ISO 160

comments and suggestions always welcome

Sweet shot Craig. I wish it had just a tad more sharpness on its back but other than that its great.

Craig: I'm having problems discerning a green heron from a bittern.

Can you help me??

Do you have an image of a bittern? I have green heron in the same pose.

Hi Joseph, in response to your question... green herons reach about 18" length as adults and American Bittern adults reach 28", much larger. They both frequent the same type habitat, most often water shores, ponds but I have seen bitterns in fields as well. Bitterns are generally more "earthy" in their overall coloration. I have never seen a "Least Bittern" but they are smaller, about 13" and can be found in some central north american states and the east coast (see Sibleys.) Here is an American Bittern adult in their classic defensive posture once alerted. Their coloration is excellent camouflage for the habitat (dried grasses, along shore lines) they they frequent. They remain still till danger has passed and under windy conditions may sway along with the grasses they are standing in. It is possible to walk withing a few feet and never even notice them.

Sweet pose. I can't comment too much on the sharpness because I can't see clearly yet, but I like the comp and the environment.