RANDOM ACT OF METAPHOR: An American Bittern in the Weeds

Hmmm, what was that American Bittern doing scurrying across the gravel path into the weeds on Leslie Street Spit this afternoon?

A bit of background information is in order. An American Bittern is a stocky, yellowish-brown heron normally found only in marshes or reedy lakes. It's a secretive bird that would much rather not be seen – and it's rather good at hiding. It will stand dead still in the marsh with its long neck and bill pointed skyward. You would be amazed at how well it blends in...