You may or may not know that Lakenheath Fen was created as a reedbed nature reserve to provide nesting habitat for bitterns. After the sucess' of the breeding seaon last year, when bitterns nested sucessfully at the reserve for the first time, our resident birds are gearing up for the nesting season once again.
Bitterns are famous for their outstanding "booming" call. This is often likened to the sound of somebody blowing through a bottle and carries for up to three kilometres! Bitterns were first heard booming on the reserve this year on Good Friday (April 2nd). We had four "boomers" at the reserve last year so hopefully we will do as well if not better this year.
Bitterns are usually very difficult to see, and if they do fly it is often low over the reedbed and then straight down again. However, if you are very lucky at this time of year, you may see bitterns display flying. This remarkable behaviour involves up to six birds circling high over the reedbed resembling a cyclone of chunky brown herons! This behaviour may be encountered at any time of day, but early in the morning is often the most reliable.