This was a project carved with famed wildfowl carver Glenn McMurdo. The Least Bittern is a small, secretive heron, rarely seen as it moves through the pond vegetation. When it senses trouble it freezes in place, often pointing its head upward to blend in with the vegetation. This guy is relaxed but careful as he eyes a possible threat, ready to disappear into the pond’s cattails, cane, and sticks. I wanted the viewer to feel like they were lucky to catch a short glimpse of the Keeper of the Marsh.