BITTERNS, HERONS, EGRETS

American Bittern  Botaurus lentiginosus

WINTER:  Accidental.  One on 20 December 1969 (WA, HS) and one on 22 December 1974 (WA).  Both records on the Ona CBC.  Edeburn et al.(1960) has a record for 30 January 1953 without details.

SUMMER:  Status uncertain.  Hall (1983) and Kiff et al. (1986) indicate this species occurs in summer.  Three records: single birds on 31 August 2005 at Byrd Locks & Dam (WA, JB, MG); 30 August 1960 at Point Pleasant, WV (WA, TI, LK); 26 July 2003 along the Ohio River in Mason Co., WV (WA).

MIGRATION:

 Spring:  Rare Migrant early April to early May.  Early dates, one on 28 March 1953 (Edeburn et al. 1960); one on 28 March 2004 at Green Bottom WMA (MG); two on 06 April 2002 at Green Bottom WMA (WA, MG); one on 06 April 2004 at McClintic WMA (CK, KK); one on 10 April 2002 at Green Bottom WMA (HS) and 2004 at McClintic WMA (WA, MG, DP).  Late dates, two on 16 May 2008 at Green Bottom WMA (WA, MG); two on 14 May 1996 at Green Bottom WMA (WA); 13 May 1951 (Edeburn et al. 1960). 

 Fall:  Casual Migrant.  Only September record, one 04 September 1967 at McClintic WMA (RS); one on 09 November 2008 at Green Bottom WMA (GR).  While Edeburn et al. (1960) gives an average arrival date of 07 September, it is uncertain if actual records are the basis for this date.  Late summer records may indicate migrants.  See Summer section..

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