Concord, Mass.
1910.
April 20
(No 4)
[April 20, 1910]

Bitterns.

compressed, the head, neck & body looking all about of
a size and not much larger around than a man's
wrist and the whole bird resembling very closely a
stake nearly a yard in length rising straight up
out of the marsh & of a weathered grayish color.
The [male] did precisely the same thing but less often
and for shorter periods. It was perfectly evident
that both birds were apprehensive of danger of
some kind and almost constantly on the watch for it.
Indeed they appeared much more alert and suspicious
than any of the shy Herons, such as the Great Blue
or the Great White Egret when seen under similar conditions.
I was somewhat surprized at this and altogether
delighted by their wonderful grace of form and
movement. Seldom if ever before have I had so favorable
an opportunity to watch Bitterns which were pursuing
their usual avocations wholly unaware of my near presence,
for I was wholly concealed from these birds.