Nature Done Wright

During a visit to the Yale Gallery of Art a little while back, I came across this sculpture by one of my favorite artists, Thomas Eakins.

The sculpture was labeled "Water Nymph and Bittern."  I have an admittedly limited knowledge of the world's bitterns, but the bird just didn't seem like a bittern.

What do you think?

If you Google around, you'll find out a lot more background.