ML619757000

Observation details

Observed flying and heard calling. My kayak was within 20 ft of its location. Bird not visible, but at that close range, I was able to anticipate call because it began or was preceded by what sounded like bubbles percolating up from the marsh bottom lasting only a couple seconds. This brief bubbling noise is not audible on my recordings or when more distant from the bird. Later, when the bittern flew from a thick patch of Scirpus bulrush at around 6:40 p.m., it landed a short distance away and immediately began calling again.

Additional species

• Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus