American Bittern

Driving along hwy #105 in the Maugerville - Sheffield area we were hoping to see a few ducks or hawks, for bordering the highway on one side is the Saint John River and on the other are large open fields bordered by tall trees in the background. Having very little luck, other than sighting a small flock of Canada Geese and a few Mallards, we pulled over onto the shoulder to study the distant trees hoping for a hawk sighting. It was a fortunate choice for stopping as right there, very close to us in the open field, was an American Bittern.

Of course the Bittern saw us also and striking what appeared to be a rather nonchalant pose, it slowly strolled a short distance away before taking off in flight.