Kinglets and a Bittern!

Golden-crowned Kinglets are currently migrating through the area and I had a close encounter with a couple of these birds this morning. When excited, they will flash their orange crowns, raising their feathers above the head.

These tiny songbirds generally stay high in conifer trees searching for insects to eat. On cold days they can be found closer to the forest floor.

Ruby-crowned Kinglets have recently been showing up locally. A group of kinglets has many collective nouns, include a "Castle, Court, Princedom and Dynasty" of Kinglets. Very regal names for such a tiny species.!! 

(https://identify.whatbird.com/obj/756overview/Golden-crowned_kinglet.aspx)

Can you see the incredibly well-camouflaged American Bittern hiding in the reeds?

(Click on photo to enlarge it.)

Deryl photographed an American Bittern standing in the phragmites. They adopt a classic pose when alarmed, with the beak pointing straight up, helping this streaky bird blend in with its reedy background. (Cornell Lab, All About Birds) 

We found a partially exposed American Bittern near Rainy River in 2018. They can be found along freshwater marshes, but as you can see by the camouflage, can be very difficult to find! They are heard more often than seen. Their booming, clacking, gulping calls have earned them some colourful nicknames including, "stake-driver", "thunder-pumper," "water-belcher," and "mire-drum." (Cornell Lab, All About Birds)