I've been reading on another Bird Forum, that Bitterns hav'nt bred successfully at Leighton Moss since 2009. Is this true?
Regards,
Ian.
Hi THOMO,
It is true that we have not had confirmed breeding (fledglings sighted) of bittern since 2009. 2009 was also the last year that we found a bittern nest here. In all the years since we have put a lot of time into trying to locate nests around the reedbed with a frustrating lack of success. The main theory on why this may be is Leighton’s isolation from other large reedbeds where bitterns are thriving, reducing the possibility of new birds finding the site in the breeding season. We have carried out a lot of work on studying the suitability of the habitat for bittern and there are plenty of feeding opportunities throughout the reedbed, which has a very large and healthy fish population.
Always happy to answer any further questions.
All the Best,
Richard Miller
Assistant Warden