Mystery Bird

by Linda
(Aurora, Ontario, Canada)

Please help me identify this bird.

This is one of several heron-type birds in the marsh near my home (photo taken in late August in York Region, Ontario). I can't tell if it is a bittern or an immature night heron. He sits motionless for very long periods waiting to snap up a passing fish.


Comment
Not sure. Bitterns are very difficult to spot, but easy to recognize by their sound. They make a call that I can only describe as similar to a toilet plunger. Great photo.