standing tall with bill pointed skyward (Illinois, USA; 2008-04-25)
American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus
Native Range: North America
Notes:
often stands still among reeds in marshes, its bill pointed skyward such that the vertical stripes on its neck provide camoflage; song a series of deep gulping notes reminescent of an old-fashioned water pump
head up but with eyes still looking down (Illinois, USA; 2008-04-25)