Bittern.

[JohnP]

Until today I've never seen a Bittern in the UK, I saw a couple in Northern Cyprus in 2009... so I am dead chuffed to get any sort of photo of one of these very secretive birds.

 

 

on EOS 60D, Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
1/500s f/9.0 at 300.0mm iso640

 

 

Canon EOS 60D, Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
1/400s f/5.6 at 300.0mm iso250

 

 

[geodar]

well camourflaged, but not good enough for an intrepid photographer.

well spotted and captured.

geoff

[Terry]

Great capture well done. Very jealous

[annie]

brilliant...how on earth did you spot that! 

 

where are you going to see these lovely birds?

[JohnP]

brilliant...how on earth did you spot that! 

 

where are you going to see these lovely birds?

 

annie... they are quite rare... certainly in my area. You stand a better chance of seeing them in the wetlands of East Anglia, I heard down the grapevine that there was one at the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust at Slimbridge in Gloucestershire. It was reported to have been seen in one of the wetlands right on the perimiter of the reserve, so I made my way there today not expecting to see it let alone get some shots. I waited along with some other folks for about two hours and it was cold enough to freeze my nu*s off and I came very close to giving up several times. I would love to hear one making it's booming sound during the breeding season. There will be no chance of that as they breed in coastal wetlands mainly in East Anglia. This one has most likely come from mainland europe to spend the winter here... that's my guess anyway.

[NannyFerret]

That's a great, shot. Nice and clear. It must have been your lucky day to see one and get a shot..

[annie]

i am in east anglia, but brian won't take me out to the fens............cause he is a numpty....looks like i need to travel further afield on me ownsome then ....tut!

[JohnP]

i am in east anglia, but brian won't take me out to the fens............cause he is a numpty....looks like i need to travel further afield on me ownsome then ....tut!

 

annie... the RSPB Reserve at Minsmere (66 miles from you) might be a place to try, you could always phone and ask if any Bitterns have been sighted.. 01728 648281  email.. minsmere@rspb.org.uk  Post Code for Sat Nav.. IP17 3BY

[annie]

there is a marsh i want to go to ...i think it is called wicken fen...

[JohnP]

there is a marsh i want to go to ...i think it is called wicken fen...

 

The most important thing is there must be dense reed beds.

[Phil]

Agree with all the above, you've done really well to get even remotely close to this bird. 

[Kobione]

Great catch John, your patience was well rewarded!

[JohnP]

All your nice comments are much appreciated... thank you.

 

I think this is the first Bittern shot posted on the forum which makes me feel even more chuffed than I would otherwise be... if I'm wrong and someone has posted one before then please feel free to smack around the ear...