This is bird note.

Herons come in an assortment of sizes. The largest in the U.S., the great blue heron,

stands four and a half feet tall. The smallest by far is the least bittern at just 10 to 12 inches

tall. You'll often find a least bittern straddling the stems of

tall reeds in a marsh. Grasping a cluster of stems in the long toes of each foot, they suspend

themselves over the edge of the marsh a foot or more above the water. Watching for prey,

bitterns lean forward while pulling their long necks back, like drawing a bowstring.

Their needle-like bills dart out when they spot a fish.

During the nesting season, least Biderns bend clusters of reeds into platforms to perch on and hunt from.

Like any good angler, if they have luck fishing in

one spot, they'll keep reusing it. Vulnerable to birds of prey, least bitterns rely on their

camouflage of rust, buff, and dark green plumage. Stretching their necks upward, parallel to the

upright reeds, they sway slowly, imitating the reeds

moving in the breeze. Least bitterns are experts at staying hidden, which makes encountering one

even more exciting. For bird note, I'm Ariana Rimmel.