In search of Bittern

Pete

January 30

Keith and I visited the London Wetland Centre last Friday in search of the elusive bird of the reed bed, the Bittern. The previous week during the cold spell, with the water frozen, % wintering birds had been seen in one day, a testament to the way they can hide as the maximum that had been reported on any day previously this winter had been 2.

We started off in Dulverton hide on the main lake, which is one of the regular spots for seeing them, in the reed bed directly opposite, but we were not lucky and after about 40 minutes decided to move on. A male Stonechat was some small consolation. As we were making our way to the feeder station, we became aware of a flock of Siskin feeding in the alders and got some excellent views of both males and females as they fed.

Siskin (m). Photo by Keith

We made our way to the Scrape Hide via the secluded walk. We had brief views of a Green Woodpecker and were joined by a very inquisitive Robin.

The water level on the scrape was very high (as it was across the reserve) and there was little of the islands to be seen. A party of Grey Heron could be seen roosting under the Tower Hide.

Reaching the Tower hide, we hoped we might see a Bittern in flight across the reed beds, but again we had no luck. I had a brief glimpse of a female Goldeneye as it flew from one lake to another and could see the Wigeon feeding on the marsh.

After lunch, we made our way over to the other side of the reserve, visiting Hedley Hide and Wildside Hide. Last week 4 Bitterns had been reported from the latter, but they were not showing on Friday. It was clear that spring was approaching as birds were starting to become protective of territories as we watched 4 Coots scrap in front of the hide.

As the afternoon drew on we decided to call it a day and headed back to the centre for a warming drink before starting home. On the way, we came across a Grey Heron looking for food in the Otter pen.