How was your weekend?
Mine was pretty good. Made all the all the better for a small, brown, dumpy heron. Doesn't sound that great, does it? But when that heron is a bittern, you'll forgive me for getting a little excited, won't you?
Back in 1997 there were just 11 males counted in the whole UK. 11 in the whole UK!
Thanks to a sterling conservation effort they're back from the brink. The one I saw yesterday was happily feeding away on the edge of the reeds at Fowlmere nature reserve for around 25 minutes - the best views I've ever had. It's still a rare sight, but just the fact that 20 or so years ago this would have been nigh on impossible made me smile.
So here's a bittern image for you. OK, there's no snow around here, but I hope it makes you smile too!
This is one of thousands of images from RSPB Images, our online image library. Take a look, there's bound to be something there that makes you smile!
For more on our science, check out the RSPB Centre for Conservation Science web pages.
Can be seen very often at Kenfig Pool, Bridgend.