American Bittern… aka "thunder-pumper", "stake-driver", "mire-drum". Though not often seen, their sounds are commonly heard in the Refuge marshes this time of year. These secretive marshbirds frequent shorelines and vegetation edges that are dominated by tall emergent wetland plants. Their calls - loud, low, resonant, pumping sounds - are used to communicate within the thick vegetation, apparently to defend territory and find mates. This individual was both heard and seen (through a spotting sco

Has anyone else heard any booming sounds coming from their local marsh? Our bird project learder Doug Morin tells us more: "This is a male American Bittern, performing it’s vocalization – sometimes called “booming.” Bitterns are a highly camouflaged and secretive species that inhabit dense shallow marshes. The strong, low-pitched “booming” call is important because it carries a long distance, allowing competing males and interested females to know where the displaying bird is, despite their habi