You'll need sharp eyes to catch sight of an American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus). This streaky, brown and buff heron can materialize among the reeds, and disappear as quickly, especially when striking a concealment pose with neck stretched and bill pointed skyward. These stealthy carnivores stand motionless amid tall marsh vegetation, or patiently stalk fish, frogs, and insects. Look for American Bitterns in shallow freshwater marshes, typically toward the margins and among reeds and other vegetation; they are rarely out in the open. The easiest way to detect them is by their call. To communicate with each other through dense vegetation American Bitterns use low-frequency calls, which carry farther than higher-pitched sounds. During breeding season the males make a bizarre, resonant three-syllable pump-er-lunk call with a liquid quality. The male’s call is preceded by clacking and gulping. To accomplish the pump-er-lunk sound, the male inflates his esophagus by way of almost violent body contortions—opening and closing his bill as if lunging for flying insects—and then uses the stored air to unleash his call. Repeated up to 10 times in succession, the call probably serves as both a territorial signal and an advertisement for mates. American Bitterns usually build their nests among thick stands of cattails, bulrushes, and sedges that grow out of shallow water.
The container is a big camouflaged plastic jar with a log and a few trading items. You will need your own writing paraphernalia to sign the log. There is plenty of parking on the wide road shoulder.