We received this picture from Rik Nicholls which shows one of our bitterns testing out the path around the buddleia loop. It was taken during the cold snap over Christmas when there were up to 5 Bittern present on the reserve. The structure in the background is the viewing shelter which is usually where you would look for bitterns. I wonder if anyone was in the shelter when the photo was taken?
Since the cold Bitterns have become much less obvious but yesterday evening we held a guided walk to look for them. Everyone had their fingers crossed and it worked! The whole group got great views of 2 Bittern and another was seen whilst we were all looking the other way.
Brilliant pic Nik!! You wouldn't have believed such a photo before Christmas! And if you look closely, in the reeds on the bottom pic, you can just see one of our resident bitterns watching the Twitcher hoards as they scan the Reserve hoping for a quick glimpse! (Only joking!)
frank
Seize the day!