Least Bittern in Bent County

[Duane Nelson]

Birders,

I found and photographed a Least Bittern today near John Martin
Reservoir in Bent County. I hesitate to post directions, because of the
likelihood of birders disrupting the bird. I used my car as a blind, and
the bird was more or less oblivious to my presence, catching minnows,
crawling up and over branches just above the water, and basking in the
warm afternoon sun. For those interested, it was on the north side of
Bent County Road JJ at the low spot west of Bent County Road 20, where
water flows through culverts under the road. The bird was frequently
within five feet of the submerged, moss-encrusted sign on the north side
of the road. Please, PLEASE remain in your vehicle and don't use
playback devices.

There's always something to complicate things. It is starting to get
cold at night, and the pond where it's feeding is vulnerable to
freezing. Thus, there's no guarantee it'll stick around.

I watched my feeders for much of the day, and didn't see the female-type
Purple Finch today. While it's likely still around, I would prefer for
people to try when there's a pattern of it showing up more regularly.

Duane Nelson
Las Animas, Bent County, CO