Bird Poses, Reluctantly, at Pond

So, missing the sunset (see main album), we stayed and shot some images of the dramatic clouds and this one very cooperative bird. Can anyone identify?
**** Thanks Sally who identified it as "Bittern, presumably an American Bittern."
Then it started to rain and we realized we had no protection for our cameras (or ourselves) so left for home.
Junko's surreal bird: http://365project.org/jyokota/365/2016-09-10

[Maggiemae]

I think it is called, "The Brown Spotted River Creeper', Taffy! - Im kidding but this is a great catch and focus! He has huge creeping feet!

[Lynda McG]

Great capture! Just out for a paddle!

[Joyce]

Wow. He has got huge feet. Great shot

[Denise Wood]

Love the capture, but can't help to identify it :) fav

[Shailesh]

fantastic shot..

[Catherine P]

Beautiful photo. Really like the lighting.

[Allison Maltese]

I believe it is a juvenile night heron. Nice light and point of view.

[Babs]

Lovely shot, but I have no idea what variety he is.

[ANCoxon]

Lovely shot!

[Kerri]

Awesome shot

[Issi Bannerman]

What a lovely POV. Very nice capture.

[Marnie]

Good shot, great caption.

[gloria jones]

Great shot, light, title :)

[Graham Thresher]

Super capture. Fav.

[Elizma Fourie]

Love the lighting

[Leon Buijs]

Great light and details on the bird

[Sally Ings]

Super capture. I think it is a Bittern, presumably an American Bittern since you are in the States!

[Elisabeth Sæter]

Super shot

[Taffy]

@salza Thanks!

[Jennifer]

great capture, nice light - his feet are huge!!

[Rachel]

Lovely lighting on the front bittern, a golden glow.

[Joan Robillard]

Great capture

[Richard Hickey]

Awesome picture.

[Lynne]

Wonderful shot. He does look like he is posing.

[Tony]

Beautifully captured, you managed to catch some good light.

[Walks @ 7]

Fabulous pov, this little guy looks to be investigating you. Fav!

[Helen Jane]

That is great light on the bittern. Lovely.

[Jerome]

beautiful shot! impressive pov