Monday 6 July 2015

LITTLE BITTERN!!!!

Early Saturday morning we had a visit to RSPB Oldmoor in hope of seeing the cracking Male Little Bittern which had been seen on site in the past couple of days. This is one bird I have always wanted to see so I was really determined to see it.

We arrived at about half seven and with news of it still there we had high hopes. Once we arrived in the hide there was a big problem, mist. Most of the reedbeds were covered in it and it made things difficult to see. While waiting a pair of Kingfishers were very nice to watch which also landed right in front of the hide! Plus Reed Buntings and Reed Warblers also kept us entertained. Plus a Great Crested Grebe kept on catching very big fish which I was surprised to see it get it down!

Kingfisher
 
Reed Bunting

Reed Warbler

Great Crested Grebes
 
There was a couple of times when the Little Bittern was called out by people in the hide but unfortunately with all the mist it was hard to get the bins on it so we missed it! At one point I just about almost clocked it but more or less as soon as I lifted my bins, someone shouted it has gone down behind the hide! Typical it just looked like it wasn't going to be my day today but thankfully late morning the mist just about cleared and someone said "going left" and thankfully I managed to spot it! It did a great flew through over the pond and into the reeds in the corner next to the Bittern Bus Stop! It was great, I got to see all the features and how amazing the bird it is! Definitly one of the best birds I have seen this year. I was so pleased!!! It was also great to see the massive distinctive white patch on its wings.
 




Little Bittern
 
After that we had news of a Black Necked Grebe from the Family hide and an American Wigeon from Wath Ings so that was our next destination. From the Family hide we managed to spot the Grebe but unfortunately it was very distant. We didn't see the American Wigeon as apparently it had gone to sleep under a tree and wasn't viewable at all but to be honest we weren't bothered as we had such an enjoyable time!
 
 
  
 

5 comments:

  1. This was very enjoyable to read about! Your photos are great. I can't believe the crested grebe could gulp down that big fish! Cheers!

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  2. Some great photos and an enjoyable read.
    So pleased you saw it Ellis as I know you like em.

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  3. What a great year you're having Ellis, how many lifers have you seen?

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  4. What a great bird to see and you got great pictures of it.

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  5. Amazing captures and blog here! I initially noticed your “Grebe vs Fish” shot. That looks like a huge (do you know what kind?) fish staring down its captor’s throat!

    So the bird was really able to win the struggle and gulp down that big fish okay?? Does the prey put up a good fight, if eaten, does the unlucky fish get swallowed wriggling/alive all the way as well?!

    -Kyle

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