Well as Nicky has reported we have a Bittern that overshot the wonderful and carefully prepared reed beds at Uskmouth and ended up on an island in an angling club in Bettws, sandwiched between the M4, A449, a large housing estate and Bettws School: but to be fair also bounded on one side by the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal and the other by the Afon Llwydd (the Grey River). Because it is not in extensive reed beds it was easy to see when moving and I got some decent photos and video. it seems to be very confiding in the afternoon even ignoring fishermen on the opposite bank. To be fair to Nicky I'll leave the photos up to her when she can post them on here and just post the videos. What a treat to see this amazing bird practically on my doorstep and the first time I have seen a Bittern anywhere although I heard the one in Uskmouth last year.
This was my first effort.
This one shows the bittern reflected in the mirror-like surface of the pool.
This one is really to demonstrate just how the Bittern keeps still as a defensive measure - 8 minutes of a Bittern keeping still - Bor-ing! - just a couple of close ups to liven it up including one where it clearly sees the camera!
In case you are wondering why there is a one, a two and straight to four number three does exist but i decided it needed a bit more work. it's called 'Wading".
