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Bittern Identification
American Bitterns and Least Bitterns comprise this group of
shy, secretive marsh birds.
These secretive birds inhabit areas of tall reeds and marshes, and they use the defense
of camoflauge to hide from intruders by imitating the coloration and movement of a reed.
For this reason alone, Bitterns are not easy wading birds to spot. You'll be
more likely to hear one before seeing one, and if you catch a glimpse of these elusive
birds, count yourself truly blessed!
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Get to Know Your Bitterns
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American Bittern | Botaurus lentiginosus | 23" - 34"
The call of the American Bittern is eerie and always recognizable, although to
unfamiliar birders not recognizable as a bird call at first. The low, pumping chunk
sound of the American Bittern can be heard from quite a long distance away and is
a common sound in the marshes and lakeshores of the United States and Canada.
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- Read the Latest News from the Birding Sonoma County Blog -
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Tomales Bay State Park Closure - One Upset Birder
January 22, 2008, Point Reyes, CA
Governor Schwarzenegger is planning to close our beautiful, sacred Tomales Bay State Park
in Marin County along with 42 other desperately-needed and exuberantly cherished state
parks throughout California. Closing all of these wonderful parks would not even take us
1% in the direction of being back in the black. And think of what will have been lost. Read Article »
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Bay Area Oil Spill A Disaster For Birds
November 11, 2007, Kenwood, CA
When the Cosco Busan crashed into the Bay Bridge, every birder I know immediately thought
of what this disaster would mean for the birds. In addition to our beloved birds, whales
will be swimming through the oil, as will seals, sea lions and other marine mammals. West
Marin is one of my favorite places on earth, and to see it thus spoiled fills me with
sorrow and anger. Read Article »
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Bewick's Wren - A hidden Bay Area bird worth seeking!
October 7, 2007, Glen Ellen, CA
Today, we'll turn our gaze on Bewick's Wren, Thryomanes bewickii, one of the larger
SF Bay Area Wrens. Bewick's Wren, like most wrens, will instantly strike you as being
'all-tail'. Identification clue number one for wrens is that they tend to hold their tails
up-turned, as if in proud of their lovely plumes. Read Article »
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The White-crowned Sparrow has returned!
September 24, 2007, Kenwood, CA
This trusty little bird disappeared when the weather heated up, early in the year, heading
north to cooler Canada. Just this afternoon, my husband called me to the window excitedly.
There, at the foot of the photinia hedge, a lone White-crowned Sparrow was hopping humbly
through the green grass. Read Article »
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