Once Bittern, twice shy....

15 Dec - An early morning walk at Shorncote always produces a few birds, and this morning was no exception - 11 Snipe flushed by the path (4-5), 2 Little Egrets, Cetti's Warblers and Water Rails calling, Reed Buntings and Grey Wagtails seen, Fieldfares and Redwings, and 100s of Lapwings in flight (6).....I walked back along the path thinking I'd love to see the Bittern that has been present for a few weeks, then suddenly not one but two Bitterns (!), with their distinctive stripey brown Heron-like profile, flew low over the reedbed (7) and dropped on the far side, with one circling low, and I watched it land in the reeds. Exciting to think that possibly two birds will winter in the extensive reedbed here. Photos 1-6 JM, Bittern in flight painting courtesy RSPB. The 2 redhead Smew still on pit 30, with 4 Goosanders also seen. A very productive hour, before the rain started, with atmospheric winter skies.