Took an unexpected call from Caroline at Wildlife Welfare in the week asking if they could release a bittern on site, after it had been hit by a car in Letchworth! The team at Wildlife Welfare based in Stevenage had been in touch with RSPB HQ at the Lodge after the bird was bought in for a bit of advice and recommended us as a local reserve for release. The bittern was in good condition and after x-rays no brakes could be seen, so after a couple of days of checks, TLC and a good feedup the team came over to Rye Meads for the release. Members of the Rye Meads Ringing Group were on hand to ring and measure the bird before it release. The bird looks to be a female from its size and had put on 150g in its few days with the team at Wildlife Welfare. It was a real treat to see such great views of this skulking and well camouflaged bird.
After a bit of posturing she was off in to the reedbed, so we will be keeping a special eye out for sightings of her and monitor her progress, if you do see her on site please do let us know.The team also had a couple of swallows which they raised from young and a swift that had been downed by the recent storm which were also released. It was great to see the swift flying so strongly and hear the happy call of the swallows as they were released. As we released them there were already swallows feeding over the scrape so hopefully they will flock together for migration back to Africa.
Wildlife Welfare facebook link www.facebook.com/Wildlife-Welfare-152765298219732/?hc_location=ufi