View allAll Photos Tagged bittern
Thought I'd post an old favourite of mine, a couple of my lovely flickr contacts are talking about hoping to see Bitterns this winter and a couple of reserves I've visited recently people are all talking about bitterns and looking forward to seeing them again this winter.
Back at the Start of this year I was very lucky to find a bittern on the stour river and over the course of a short time managed to get the bittern to trust me sitting on the opposite bank for it to come out and fish in the open. I had no camouflage gear or hides.....I just sat in very very cold plain sight!
So I know how special it is to see these rare and elusive here in the UK, so I wish Louise and Lisa all the best and hope they managed to see these lovely birds.
As for me I've got everything crossed hoping the one I saw last year will revisit the same spot I found last winter. :-)
The stage is set., the audience (us) waiting., and the star of the show is somewhere close-by
But like all 'celebs' he keeps you waiting., building the anticipation. and just when you think he won't make an appearance., suddenly., there he is
And it's been worth the wait., large., majestic and beautiful he cuts through the air., and nothing else quite compares
A shy and rare bird to see., the Bittern is truly the 'superstar' of the reed's and alongside the Bearded tit the one you most hope will emerge for a few photographs
This was one of those lucky days!
It was a privilege to be able to watch this secretive bird for a full ten minutes before he slunk back into his reedbed.
I know I posted this American bittern before but this is a Panoramic version of this bird.. He let me get so close with my new blind I had to take a series of 6 shots and paste them together as the entire bird would not fit in the view finder... You'll need sharp eyes to catch sight of an American Bittern. This streaky, brown and buff heron can materialize among the reeds, and disappear as quickly, especially when striking a concealment pose with neck stretched and bill pointed skyward. These stealthy carnivores stand motionless amid tall marsh vegetation, or patiently stalk fish, frogs, and insects. They are at their most noticeable in spring, when the marshes resound with their odd booming calls that sounds like the gulps of a thirsty giant.
A Bittern flies over Minsmere RSPB reserve in Suffolk.
In the background is the Sizewell nuclear power reactor.
The American Bittern is a secretive bird that wanders in the reeds and will stand perfectly still with his neck stretched up looking very much like a reed. We were really lucky to see this one very close and actively hunting. Not expecting to see something this close I had a 150-500 lens on and needed a smaller lens which was in the car.
first time i've had a proper look at these guys, was two on the lake today & both showed themselves very well.....
Last bittern shot for a while they really do blend in well with there natural enviroment and they have that lovely golden eye.
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One of the best camouflaged birds.
If it hides inside the reed you wont see him.
Now with the ice he has to come out of the reed to get to the water and his fish.
I was a little shocked for a second this morning, when I saw it so close to me. I was looking around for it, and got a little distracted with a King Fisher. Then I happened to look down to my left, and there it was, staring right at me, about 20ft. away! haha
A secretive bird, very difficult to see, as it moves silently through reeds at water's edge, looking for fish.
I spotted the Bittern landing in the reeds at Willband Creek Park. It moved into the reeds being mostly hidden. Another one popped out a short distance away and preceeded to do some preening. Another popped out on the other side from where the first one landed and this one I am pretty sure must be a juvenile.