An unusual siting at Botanica. I was there early one cloudy morning to photograph the gardens. I was the first one in the gardens that morning. Thought I would check the pond for water lilies. As I started in on the boardwalk, I looked over the side into a cluster of pickerel weed. I was startled by movement directly below only eight feet away. I immediately noticed it was an American Bittern puffed up in a defensive posture. The birds froze just long enough to get a few shots before sneaking off into cover.