As word of the continuing rave reviews of the newest hit wildlife show "How to be a Bittern" flood the media, your correspondent can report a worrying disregard for H&S being shown by the performers. At great personal sacrifice, your correspondent has been monitoring recent shows and hopes that this exposé will bring to people's attention the shocking truth about this iconic reedbed specialist.
It starts well, with the floor manager peering from backstage, checking on the size of the audience
The star of the show can be seen limbering up, stretching the muscles
and getting the feathers just-so, making sure to present a good image.
This is gratifying to see, because there have been recent complaints about slovenly presentation, with food remains (fish scales) left after a snack
The warm up act is a bit strange - though it is good to see the various members of the Heron family working together on this production. The Grey Heron's "funky chicken" act is perhaps a poor choice for the cultured visitor, though always a favourite with the children
Soon though, it is time for the support acts to leave the stage, first the Grey Heron
and then the Great White Egret
The GWE's part in the production has always been ignored, questions about its involvement are regularly avoided by the production team. Your correspondent can exclusively reveal, however, that the GWE's primary role is actually that of lookout
With the audience settled, it is time for the star of the show to put in an appearance
Skulking across the cut reeds
Showing off those big green feet
The excitement in the hide is palpable - there should surely be a presence of St John's Ambulance volunteers to care for all the visitors overcome with the experience of seeing these normally elusive birds.
However, the real worry and serious cause for concern is this. How long will it be?
Just how long will it be before a Bittern EXPLODES in front of the hide after eating HUGE numbers of such big fish!!!
The public need to know the dangers!
:-)
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Oh WJ, that is such a fabulous post with superb photos and commentry as always. I can't stop laughing at those brazen-faced bitterns - they are definitely professionals at performing ! The G.Heron was obviously in the last production of Folies Bergère. Could say that last photo is gob-smacking lol
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Regards, Hazel
Amazing photos and a great story WJ. I have let Louise know that you concerns about our bittern risk assessments. We will look into these. I think the biggest concern is the reputational risk to bitterns which are in danger of becoming considered easy to spot. Someone will have to have a word with them!
A great selection of Bittern shots, including those with the big fish. I'd always thought booming Bitterns meant something else, but now I understand! Let's hope not too many explode, anyway.
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Nige Flickr
Great poses from the star turn but also I laughed at the "funky chicken" and the GWE who has prominent role as lookout sat in the one and only "tree" among the reeds. Can't believe the size of that fish, no wonder the Bitterns go on walk about, they have to work off those huge meals:-)
Lot to learn