Concord, Mass.
1910
April 17
(No 5)
[April 17, 1910]

Bitterns fighting

the momentum of rapid flight then clinching
in some way, apparently with both feet and bills,
descended nearly to the ground. Just before reaching 
it they separated and sailed (not flopped) off to
their former respective stations. After resting there
a few moments the mutual attack was resumed
in precisely the same manner as at first, only
somewhat less vigorously. It was not repeated after this.
Although a most spirited tilt (especially on the
first occasion), by antagonists armed with
formidable weapons (the dagger-like bills) we
could not see that any harm resulted from it
to either bird. When we crossed the river in a boat
some fifteen minutes later both Bitterns were still
standing near the canal. Up to this time both had
showed the white continuously but it disappeared as we
were approaching them. One took flight when we were in
the middle of the river. We got within 20 yards of the other
before it moved when it merely walked off over the marsh.