Last year bitterns nested in the reeds at our Dungeness reserve for the first time – a great compliment to the habitat creation work that the reserves team have put in place. A habitat without its characteristic species is a bit like a stage without the cast – something to look at but not the full show.
Anyway – after the booming calls of the male bittern last spring – a new bittern record has been set for the reserve with at least 11 of these elusive birds wintering on site. They won’t be the same birds – most of these will be visitors from the continent – and they have been very visible to visitors.
I was watching one at New Year, just a few feet away, feeding in thin reeds at the waters edge. Even though I knew exactly where it was, as soon as it stopped its camouflaged plumage melted into the background. Now you see it, now you don’t.
The BBC has covered the story – and you can read more here.
Countdown to the public inquiry.
We’re less than a month away from the start of the Lydd airport public inquiry – so still time to object, as an individual – you can find out how here. Do consider visiting the reserve – especially for the first time or if you haven’t be there for a while. It’s a great way to find out what all the fuss is about!
Meet Dunge (he's the one in the middle) – the Olympics have Wenlock and Mandeville, we’ve got Dunge, he spent years rolling along the south coast before he settled at Dungeness, just a stone’s throw from some of our reserve ... keep an eye out for him and his friends throughout our coverage over the next few weeks.
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