Date:         Tue, 5 Feb 2002 19:57:59 -0500
Reply-To:     Jessica and Eric Beohm <ebeohm@NETZERO.NET>
Sender:       Georgia Birders Online <GABO-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
From:         Jessica and Eric Beohm <ebeohm@NETZERO.NET>
Subject:      American Bittern In Southern Atlanta Area
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

I had an American Bittern flying briefly in my yard today. It got my attention with its distinctive call (Sibley Guide describes the call as a cross between a night-heron and a mallard). I saw it circling over a wet shrubby area of my yard. Then it flew to a nearby wooded area. I did not search after it to see if it landed there. I hope the bird continues in the area, but it might be hard to relocate. "Birding Georgia" lists American Bittern as very rare in the piedmont in winter and rare during migration. Of course this is assuming proper habitat like a huge swamp or marsh. By the way properly the best place to see one in GA is Phinizy Swamp in Augusta or hope for one on the coast.

Eric Beohm
Griffin, GA