Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis)
Above and below: A Least Bittern in Frederick Co., Maryland (5/20/2007). I can hardly begin to say how excited Frode and I were to study and photograph this wonderful and famously reclusive bird.
Below: Least Bitterns hunting in a Harford Co., Maryland marsh (7/11/2008).
Below: Close-up views of Least Bitterns were a real highlight of kayaking Ellis Bay WMA in Wicomico Co., Maryland this weekend (7/27/2008).