Least Bittern
(Ixobrychus exilis)
This little least bittern was found in the drainage ditch at Cella Ford in New Bern alongside one of the busiest streets (6 lanes wide). It was a little thin so we kept it for a week, fattening it up on crickets. Least bitterns are very secretive and is normally reluctant to fly. It depends on its color pattern for camoflage. They live along freshwater marshes where cattails and reeds are prevalent.