Had a terrific afternoon helping the OM staff to monitor the movements of the resident Bitterns. In three years of trying I'd never seen one before, so today was a fantastic opportunity finally to get that tick on my list - and I did! During the three or so hours we were there we saw a couple of routine feeding flights just across the reedbed and back; a bird walking across an open channel in the reedbed; and a bird flying off high over the reserve towards Bolton Ings and later returning. It was interesting to note that whenever they took flight the birds were mobbed by gulls (blackheads) but didn't seem too perturbed.
I took my camera but the action was so fast and furious that I had no time for anything other than point and shoot record shots. Well that's my excuse anyway!
This is an incoming flight from the other side of the reserve
And a couple of shots of a reedbed pass
And to cap a brilliant day I was also able to tick Black Tern and Red Footed Falcon! Happy days
Ian
Sooo pleased to share your WOW moment Ian!!
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
Well done on finally seeing one :-) There's something special about spotting a Bittern, they're such unusual birds in so many ways. Couple that with their secretive lifestyle (notwithstanding some of my more recent posts) and it's always a red letter day when one appears :-)
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