This bird was discovered in my parents’ lilac bushes this past summer. They live in Woodstock. We watched it for almost an hour before it flew away. I think it is a young American bittern. Am I correct? – Nicole Taylor, Maplehurst Nicole is right, it is an American bittern. As to whether it’s a young one or not, I’m a bit unsure, but the bird appears to have dark marks on each side of its throat, which would suggest an adult. We have two bittern species in New Brunswick – the widespread American bittern and the much rarer least bittern that is only a fraction the size of its larger cousin. Both bitterns normally keep to thick grass or reeds in damp or wet places such as marshes or meadows. They feed on insects, amphibians and small fish. The American bittern’s cryptic colouration blends in perfectly and it moves slowly and deliberately and thus is not often seen well. As Nicole mentions, bitterns are members of the heron family, relatives of the familiar great blue heron. But occasionally one will throw caution to the wind and perch in an open place such as the lilac bush, providing a rare chance for study and a nice photo. – Jim Wilson