June 10, 2003                                                                                                    

The Discreet American Bittern The secretive American bittern is a medium-sized heron up to 34 inches tall and with a 50-inch wingspan. It has streaked brown plumage, and is best known for its habit when threatened. The bird will stand upright with its bill pointing upward, sometimes even swaying side-to-side, and moving like the tall grasses and reeds surrounding it. American bitterns require wetland habitats such as the marshes and wetland borders along ponds, rivers, lakes and streams. Due to the continuing destruction of these valuable habitats, this beautiful bird faces an uncertain future without our help and protection. This species is listed as endangered in Pennsylvania and is known to nest only in a few locations, such as Conneaut Marsh in Crawford County. E-mail Today's WPC Daily to a Friend! Friend's e-mail address: Your Message: Rediscover western Pennsylvania every morning with WPC Daily. Become a Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Member  View the winning WPC Daily for April - makes a great screen wallpaper/calendar for June Choose your favorite WPC Daily for May

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