American Bitterns are noted as being large, stocky birds measuring a length of about 23 inches and a wingspan of 45 inches. This wading bird species can be identified by its bright yellow eyes and yellow bill with a dark culmen. The upperparts are a rich dark brown whilst the throat is white with black/brown streaks. When in flight, its outer flight feathers are distinctly dark compared to the light brown inner area of the wing. Adults have a black stripe running down the side of the throat. The two genders look alike whilst juveniles lack the noticeable streaking. If you do not spot the American Bittern itself, you will be able to identify the bird by its call, a deep “oong-ka-choonk”.

American Bitterns dine on a number of wetland creatures including insects, frogs, salamanders, little fish, small snakes, crayfish and sometimes voles. These quiet birds rely on stealth when foraging for a meal. They will remain motionless, undetected by potential prey. As the snack nears, the bittern will speedily dart forward, nabbing the creature in its bill. Prey is killed by shaking and biting, after which it is swallowed whole.

Breeding takes place in the north between mid-April and early May. Males are typically polygamous, but they differ from other herons in that they are not colonial nesters. The courtship display of the American Bittern is truly fascinating. Arching his back and dipping forward he serenades the female. Together they participate in a complex aerial display. The nest is built by the female who constructs it out of sedges, reeds and other wetland plants. Incubation lasts 24-29 days. Although the young offspring leave the nest at around 2 weeks, the female still cares for them.

A very elusive bird, the American Bittern goes to great lengths to remain hidden. When approached, the bittern will stretch it neck, staring up at the sky, standing absolutely still or swaying slowly to imitate the reeds. If danger continues to threaten it will fly away with a low barking call.

The American Bittern has been declared state endangered in Connecticut and falls under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. The chief reason for the lessening numbers of American bitterns is habitat loss. Marshes and swamps forming the habitat of the species have been built over and used for commercial gain. You and I can help by supporting wetland conservation legislation as well as efforts to control water polution. Why not make an effort to save the American Bittern.

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Birds of prey have long captivated the imagination of mankind. These striking yet graceful hunters of the air display some of the most impressive acrobatics and strategies in the animal kingdom. Swooping down on their prey from dizzying heights at incredible speeds with amazing accuracy, raptors continue to awe, thrill and inspire us even after centuries of admiration.

If you have ever wanted to get up close and personal with one of the many different birds of prey that populate our planet, why not make a visit to the Pacific Northwest Raptors visitor centre in Cowichan Valley? The facility is situated only about eight minutes away from Duncan on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, and can be easily accessed via the Trans Canada highway.

This magnificent Raptor centre allows visitors the opportunity to get better acquainted with a wide variety of these magnificent predatory birds. A self-guided bird watching tour will enable family and friends to walk through naturally landscaped grounds where they can view hawks, falcons, owls and eagles. If falconry has always appealed to you, you will be able to learn more about this ancient art at the Pacific Northwest Raptors centre. You will also be able to discover how the birds at the centre are trained for things such as free-fly demonstrations, bird control work and movie work. The flight demonstrations that are put on at the centre on a daily basis (weather permitting) are absolutely breathtaking and guests will be able to marvel at the supreme abilities of these magnificent birds as they show off their natural talents. Along with these demonstrations, visitors will be told more about the specific birds and how they live, how they are perfectly adapted to hunting and how they relate to mankind.

The family-orientated center will appeal to virtually any bird lover, and visitors will find that there is almost always something exciting taking place here. The small interpretive center will further educate visitors about these magnificent birds, while the gift shop provides the perfect selection of gifts and mementos for you to take home. For those who just have to have a more personalized birding experience, the Pacific Northwest Raptors center offers hawk-walks and hands-on courses. So get yourself to Pacific Northwest Raptors and make the most of the excellent birding facility!

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