Bittern Mayhew 1949 June 12 Conaway Ranch, 2 miles east of Woodland, Yolo Co., Calif. A Bittern was flushed from its nest at the north edge of a barley field this morning, about 8 A.M. There was almost no nest construction -- just a few straws in a depression in the ground. The nest contained 3 eggs -- each about the color of pheasant eggs, but slightly larger. The nest is 23 paces south of the marker on the ditch bank. 1950 June 21 A young Bittern was found hiding in wheat stubble about 100 yards from a ditch. It was fully feathered except for the flight feathers. When first seen, it was standing in the characteristic pose for this species -- head + bill pointed straight up in the air. When I approached close, it opened its mouth wide, ruffled its feathers, & in general, took on a defensive attitude, but made no effort to run away. It was still standing in the same place when I left.