The first 2011 winter Bitterns have returned to Rye Meads nature reserve, in Hertfordshire. Just one week after 1000 small silver rudd were released into the lagoon to provide much needed food for fish eating bird the first bittern has been seen at the RSPB reserve. The bittern is one of the UK’s rarest birds, and they frequently over winter in the Lee Valley. Last … [Read more...] about First winter bitterns return to Rye Meads
Bitterns
Bittern numbers recovering according to research
Britain’s loudest bird, once extinct in the UK, has enjoyed its best year since records began, according to a new survey by the RSPB and Natural England. The bittern, a threatened relative of the more familiar grey heron, has seen its population rise over the last 15 years from 11 males in 1997 to 104 this year. Last year the survey revealed 87 males. 82 males were … [Read more...] about Bittern numbers recovering according to research
Bittern numbers increase
Bittern numbers are on the increase, according to the latest research. This threatened heron has enjoyed its most successful year since it recolonised the UK in 1911, following 25 years of British extinction. Conservationists add that this year’s success is even more remarkable, following the long spell of cold weather earlier in the year, which was known to have … [Read more...] about Bittern numbers increase