Today around lunch time, Mark Johnson found an adult AMERICAN BITTERN feeding
in the shallows of the pond (Woody's Lake) behind the Wal-Mart in Madison
Heights (Amherst Co). The bird was later found by Sandra Weigand and Jim Elder
and relocated again around 3 PM by Rexanne Bruno and me. The Wal-mart is off
US 29 Business in Madison Heights between Amelon Rd (RT 130) and Woody's Lake
Rd. The bittern appears to favor the shallows on the left side of the pond
closest to the Wal-mart as well as along the series of small dykes in the
center of the pond. This is a new species for all of us who are participating
in the Lynchburg area "Big Year" and a very uncommon bird in the area. Nice
find Mark!!
Cheers,
Mike
Michael R. Boatwright
Amherst, VA
