Overview

Family - Bitterns and herons (Ardeidae)

A thickset heron with all-over bright, pale, buffy-brown plumage covered with dark streaks and bars. It flies on broad, rounded, bowed wings. A secretive bird, very difficult to see, as it moves silently through reeds at water's edge, looking for fish. The males make a remarkable far-carrying, booming sound in spring. Its dependence on reedbeds and very small population make it a Red List species - one of the most threatened in the UK.

Comment

Bitterns are fast establishing themselves in Somerset and in particular at RSPB Ham Wall where these shots were taken on 25/4/2010.  Not brilliant photos but much better than anything I had before!

5/12/2010 - Lots of ice today at Shapwick Heath and a bittern obligingly landed and skidded to a halt reasonably close in front of me.  Together with warm evening light, this shot of the bird standing clear of all obstructions but still matching the reeds so well has got to be my favourite.