Date:         Wed, 26 Jul 2000 11:13:20 -0400
Reply-To:     Maryland Birds & Birding <MDOSPREY@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM>
Sender:       Maryland Birds & Birding <MDOSPREY@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM>
From:         Harvey Mudd <shm@CODON.NIH.GOV>
Subject:      Fwd: [MDOSPREY] Least Bittern advice
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>Could anyone help with some pointers on how to SEE a Least Bittern?
>>From all these reports were they "heard only" or seen? Any tips or
>pointers on how to find LBs and where to look when in appropriate
>habitat would be appreciated.
>        Bonnie Ott

Bonnie:

Years ago, each spring Marion and I used to see Least Bitterns regularly =
at
the marsh in Hughes Hollow.   Very rarely, by standing and waiting long
enough on the dyke through the marsh one would catch a glimpse of a Least
Bittern flying low from spot to spot within the marsh.  A much more
successful tactic was to wade throught the tall reedy portions of the
marsh.  This involved going waist- or chest-deep into the water, but we
invariably flushed up to half a dozen Least Bitterns within a few minutes
once we got to the right area.   I don't believe we caused any lasting
damage to the habitat or the birds themselves.  The major problem with th=
is
approach was to get back in the car dripping wet with muddy marsh water a=
nd
drive home.  We always thought it was worth it (but I admit we haven't do=
ne
this now for many years).

Harvey Mudd

______________________________

Harvey Mudd
9507 Wadsworth Drive
Bethesda, MD 20817
email: shm@codon.nih.gov

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