Documentation of
Least Bittern
2016-033
Observer Information
Reporter:
Dean E Shoup
Other Observers:
Bird found previous day by Jeff Parks. During my observation-Bob Spencer and Sandra, Roger Linfield, Frank Farrell and a few others unnamed.
Species, Date, Time and Location Information
Species:
Least Bittern
First Date/Time:
5/19/2016 7:00:00 PM
Last Date/Time:
5/19/2016 8:00:00 PM
Duration (total time in view):
1 hour
County:
Boulder
Specific Location:
Walden Ponds/Sawhill Ponds Complex
Number:
1
Age:
Unknown
Sex:
Male
Plumage:
Breeding
Habitat
Cattail Marsh
Viewing Conditions
Optics:
Nikon Monarch 7 8x42 and Vortex Diamonback 20x60 Scope
Distance:
20-30 yards
Light:
Clear to Partly Cloudy
Description of the Bird
First thing I noticed was the long white stripe going down a dark colored body. The bird was being still and all I could see was the long white stripe and dark coloring. I retrieved my scope and put it on the bird. I then observed the long wedge shaped bill. Dark eye with light ring. The face was light to buff and had a dark cap. The bird moved around and at one point extended it's long neck, showing a rich rufous orange coloring. Through the hour I observed the bird it only moved around a little bit, but did jump from one spot to another a few times. It stretched and looked around, even right toward the group of people observing it. Upon reviewing the photos some streaking on the sides of the breast were present. I believe this to be a Male based on the darkness of the back feathers matching the head. I am struggling to determine whether this is an Adult Male or First Year Male, the darkness of the back looks to be Adult but I am unsure so I left the Age Unknown. I ruled out Adult female based on the darkness of the head and back feathers matching. Female would have a darker head contrasting with more of a dark brown back. Immature would be much lighter brown overall according to the Sibley illustrations. My hunch is that it is a first year male based on the feather appearance but could just be a worn Adult. The bird was silent and did not make any sounds while I was observing.
Similar Species Discussion
I did consider Green Heron but felt the long white stripes or bracing plus the buffy face and sides ruled that out.
Resources Used
Sibley West Second Edition was consulted as well as the full Sibley Second Edition, second printing. Also allaboutbirds.org the website of Cornell was also used to look at photographs.
Previous Experience
I have seen one Least Bittern fly out of a marsh at the Salton Sea. I have seen 6-7 American Bitterns in Alamosa CO and heard them at Thurston Reservoir. I have seen around a dozen or so different Green Herons both perched and in flight.
Notes
Notes made DURING observation
Additional Information
Date Documentation Submitted
5/20/2016 11:27:00 PM
|
Click left or right edges of photos to move through all; click outside image to close
|
|
|
|
Location Map
The marker on the map shows an approximation of the location of this report. The marker is generated using a prioritized Logic base:
1) If the observer has entered coordinates, they will be shown.
2) No specific coordinates are available but the location is mappable.
3) A generic location with no specific coordinates is mapped to the center of the reported county.
Powered By Subgurim(http://googlemaps.subgurim.net).
Google Maps ASP.NET