Bittern  Botaurus lentiginosus

Calvert - 19th February 2008

Photos copyright Tim Watts

This Bittern has been seen regularly at Calvert since mid January.  Inevitably it is only seen at dusk just before it goes to roost.  Many visits were necessary in order to get these excellent photos.

Linford - 25th February 2006

Photo copyright Ken Plows

For a Bittern this individual is showing exceptionally well.  This is a scarce but increasing species and is becoming a regular winter visitor to several lakes in the county.  This photo was taken from one of the hides on this permit only reserve.

Calvert - 18th December 2004

Photo copyright Tim Watts

The above picture was taken at 4:12pm in virtual darkness and has been enhanced by adjusting contrast and brightness, to get the end result.

Calvert - 2nd December 2004

Photo copyright Tim watts

As I said below, more fairly typical Bittern views!  This species is clearly not easy to photograph.  This is one of the best of about 50 pictures taken of this bird as is sat in the reedbed.  It did climb up the reeds late in the day but presumably too dark for any photographs.

Willen Lake - 2nd March 2004

Photo copyright Mike Wallen

More fairly typical Bittern views!  This individual was present between 22nd Feb and 12th March although only reported occasionally.  The upper picture shows how the position of the Bitterns eyes allows it to see forward, even when it's neck it pointing upwards.

Tongwell Lake - 15th February 2004

Photo copyright Ashley Beolens

Never an easy bird to see clearly and the above picture is certainly a more typical view than the one below.   The Tongwell bird was seen intermittently between 30th Dec 2003 and 13th March 2004.

Wendover Canal - 15th February 1986

Photo copyright Dave Ferguson

An unusually cold spell froze most reedbeds in the county except for the small reedbed on the Wendover Canal. This was occupied by a Bittern from 14th Feb to 10th March 1986 where it afforded exceptionally close views.