Although the number of 'booming' males increased to 87 during 2010, up from 81 the previous year, the UK's Bittern population remains fragile in status and fragmented in distribution. As a fish-eating specialist, they are particularly vulnerable during prolonged periods of freezing temperatures.
As a result, the RSPB will begin supplementary feeding of Bitterns where they occur on our reserves and where waterbodies remain frozen over and/or if as predicted, temperatures dip below freezing once more.
This will involve the provision of sprats close to the areas the Bitterns are known to favour. A similar programme took place during the winter of 2009/2010 and proved to be effective. An appeal has also been sent to Bird Clubs and birders around the country to do similarly at non-RSPB reserves where the birds are overwintering.
Other species may also benefit from such measures. Whilst not as 'important' or urgent in terms of conservation concern, nor so highly specialised in diet as Bitterns, Grey Herons and Little Egrets may also benefit from positive public action. So if you visit a site where these species occur, why not invest a pound or two in a few sprats?
If you choose to provide supplementary food, ensure you throw the fish onto the ice well away from the water's edge (to avoid slipping in) and of course, under no circumstances walk on the ice.
Also, a request. If you are aware of any overwintering Bitterns, details of which may not be in the public domain, please contact me off-forum.
If you have any questions, comments or observations concerning Bitterns, this is the place to post them.
ATB,
DOM
Leave only footprints, kill only time.
Hi DOM
Will take note of what you have said.
We have been to a few reserves recently and have heard reports about Bitterns
A Bittern was noted flying over Paxton Pits Reserve yesterday morning, so it might have been on the search for food as you have mentioned here - wonder if it will be noted once more in the next few days.
Interesting to hear what other people have to say on the matter
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Desperate measures but such a relief to see that something is being done.
There was a juvenile Great Crested Grebe on the frozen canal recently, near where I live. I went to buy fresh sardines for it but perhaps I should have bought sprats.
I'll get some anyway as we have a local heron and the canal is still partly frozen. In fact, a neighbour said he saw a dead heron under the ice. I'm just thinking - I hope it actually wasn't the Grebe???? Oh no!!
Pipit
Hello Shan,
Sardines are perfectly acceptable. We recommend sprats or any other similar-sized species (about 12cm is comforable for Bitterns). Great Crested Grebes will normally take fish of a similar size - they have been recorded taking fish of up to 13cm.
Thanks Darren :-)
I will get some for the Heron.
I have had to ring the neighbour to check what he saw - and he assures me it was a Heron under the ice. Poor Heron but I have to admit I'm glad it wasn't the Grebe.
Cheers
Pipit/Shân
Thank you Darren for the advice, and well done Pip for buying the sardines.
I hope the bittern I almost trod on at Valley Wetlands Reserve in Anglesey has survived!! I'll never forget the look of astonishment in his eyes when he looked up and saw me.
It's also worth mentioning the wild birds away from our gardens - ordinary song birds who congregate in our parks and riverside areas that maybe don't know about garden feeders. In harsh conditions I take a little seed and some raisins for them when we go on our dog walks. I know this is appreciated because the other day we saw 3 nuthatches munching seed some kind person had left on a fence post by the river - we have never seen nuthatches in that area previously. The birds were only a couple of feet from us as we passed with our dogs, and totally unconcerned about us.
And please remember the ducks!
Cheers, Linda.
See my photos on Flickr
Another point about Bitterns: if you come across a moribund Bittern, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES APPROACH IT. They do and will aim for the eyes. You should contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 or a local wildlife hospital. Please let the RSPB know the whereabouts of the disabled bird or contact us if you require further advice.
Many thanks,
Thank you for warning us.
Will remember your information dealing with Bitterns as it is the same with Herons too.
They like to peck at shiney objects so the eyes are very vulnerable