Bird Identification: CLOSED: Night Heron or Bittern??, 1 by P_Edens

P_Edens wrote:
I thought this was an American Bittern when I saw it take off, but in looking at the photos it looks more like one of the Night Herons. But I don't really know what it is.

I took the photos this morning (so not a juvi this time of year?). I was in the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge which has both salt and fresh water ponds. This bird was in a more inland fresh water pond if that makes any difference.

Patti