American Bittern

Rondeau Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada, Aug 29 2019.

Seen while out on the pontoon. Also had several shore birds, kingfisher, eagle, sora and least bittern.

Botaurus lentiginosus
The American Bittern's yellow eyes can focus downward, giving the bird's face a comically startled, cross-eyed appearance. This visual orientation presumably enhances the bird's ability to spot and capture prey. The eyes turn orange during breeding season.

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