Took a damp walk today around Lebrun Meadow to check on birdboxes and activity of any grassland birds.  A pair of agitated Tree Swallows are still actively attending one box with young, and I am sure are soon to depart.  Also had 4 male Bobolinks that had laid claim to certain spots in the meadow.  Hopefully, the females were preoccupied. 

Made a quick visit down to the beaver impoundment next to the lake, and was fortunate to spot an American Bittern along the marshy edge.  From a distance of +/- 60 ft. I was able to watch the activity for at least 20 minutes.  Along with entertaining me with it's very slow stalking gait, the Bittern caught a small horned pout, which it promptly adjusted to gulp down head first.  After the quick meal, I was treated to a head-on display of a fully extended vertical posture, with bold stripes showing and a couple very slow head twists thrown in for good measure.  What a time to not have my scope and camera!

Lebrun Meadow is a 22 acre parcel owned by the City of Lebanon, with conservation easement held by the Upper Valley Land Trust. 

David Jorgensen
Lebanon NH

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