Bittern of the Air

The cormorant and bittern are mentioned together for a reason, one that is similar but different. It's almost like the old rule that opposites attract and still do in most cases. Unless you're a magnet though, there's really no reason that should still hold true. Perhaps as in the case of so many other animals, each one just compliments the other by possessing what is lacked and so makes up for it on the whole. The bittern is a smaller bird, in shape and appearance, very similar to that of the cormorant. Like the cormorant, these birds also live near lakes, swamps, and much larger bodies of water. These enjoy fishing although perhaps not quite to the same extent of their much larger relation. Unlike the cormorant however, the bittern does not enjoy quite the same fame being of a quiet and retiring nature. Due to this, these birds function best undisturbed. If you must spy on one, it is best to watch from a distance.

The bittern also has specially adapted marsh feet, much like a duck, that enable it to better jump, fly, and swoop down to catch its' prey. To these birds, the shape of the foot is everything on down to the claws that allow for better catching and spearing of prey. It can make the difference between life and death, survival and extinction, going hungry or surviving until the next meal. As a loner, the bittern can reach in and spear the fish with its' bill, a specially made tool in the fishing process. It might not be as effective as the cormorant. Nor does it like working in pairs and large gatherings. Regardless, the bittern is still around as a silent but effective reminder to the efficiency of honing your strengths and working together as a team.

But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it; the owl also and the raven shall dwell in it: and he shall stretch out upon it the line of confusion, and the stones of emptiness.

Isaiah 34:11