Once Bittern twice happy......

21 Nov - Another trip to Slimbridge and vigil from the Zeiss Hide, as Bittern sightings have been frequent this week on a daily basis. After an hour or so, a snake-like head emerged briefly from the sedges beyond the reedbed, then promptly disappeared again. After an hour or so of scanning in suspense, a movement on the edge of the channel in front of the hide signalled the arrival of the Bittern at close quarters, which then proceeded to feed stealthily at the reed edge and give really good views for 10-15 minutes, half-concealing itself behind any available vegetation, while it moved in reptilian fashion, stretching its neck and then stalking through the cut reeds. Another Bittern then appeared to the right of the hide, this one was more concealed but it was fascinating to watch it clambering in the reeds in slow motion, freezing and neck-stretching when alarmed. They really are amazing birds.