Bittern
Once common in wetlands, bitterns became extinct as breeding birds in the UK in the late 19th century, as a result of wetland drainage and hunting. These birds were next recorded as breeding in Norfolk in 1911. They slowly recolonised from there and by 1954 there were around 80 booming males.
To get images like these need a lot of patience and luck.
To get this photo I was in a small hide, sat in water for ten hours.
The hide is small for obvious reasons but is unbelievably exciting.
I have never seen a Bittern close up and was told to listen out for the reeds moving upon the Bitterns arrival.
As you hear the reeds move and the odd one snapping your heart beat gets faster as you look and wait for its appearance.
Once it arrives you feel that you do not have the right to be so close to such a creature.
A bird that has spent all its life hiding is stood there infront of you.
All I can say is `BOOM`
You have you ask yourself was it worth it ? Well yes it was :-)
Bittern
Once common in wetlands, bitterns became extinct as breeding birds in the UK in the late 19th century, as a result of wetland drainage and hunting. These birds were next recorded as breeding in Norfolk in 1911. They slowly recolonised from there and by 1954 there were around 80 booming males.
To get images like these need a lot of patience and luck.
To get this photo I was in a small hide, sat in water for ten hours.
The hide is small for obvious reasons but is unbelievably exciting.
I have never seen a Bittern close up and was told to listen out for the reeds moving upon the Bitterns arrival.
As you hear the reeds move and the odd one snapping your heart beat gets faster as you look and wait for its appearance.
Once it arrives you feel that you do not have the right to be so close to such a creature.
A bird that has spent all its life hiding is stood there infront of you.
All I can say is `BOOM`
You have you ask yourself was it worth it ? Well yes it was :-)