Carlton Marshes SWT - American Bittern
Bonkers, because of the fog that had set in for the morning and showed no sign of lifting.
That was until around lunchtime, when the trees and the horizon started to appear into view, Marsh Harrier became more active with a couple of smart males, wheeling around a sombre backdrop that was slowly having its hopes lifted.
Skylark were singing, a couple of Chinese Water Deer were nervously scampering through the vegetation, but the assembled crowd were gradually getting more nervous.
A male Hen Harrier flew over the scrape, with no intention of lingering as it bustled through. It was a bright moment for what was at this point a dismal day.
Then at 3pm, there was action. We all headed further along the path where two Bittern had been seen in flight. The first view of the two birds was actually on the deck. Skirting the reedbed, a Eurasian Bittern appeared desperate to evade the pursuit of its American cousin. Necks extended, bills pointing the skies, they marched together, first right, then left, reminding me of Monty Pythons Ministry of Funny Walks. The reward of a sedentry six hours peering into the murk.
The American Bittern was obviously different, the white stripes running down the length of its neck, with what appeared to be pale underside were particularly evident.
The two birds then flew up, making a couple of circuits before dropping back down again against the edge of the reeds. A great experience.
Also seen on site were some of my first summer migrants, with around six Swallow, Sedge Warbler scratching from the reedbed opposite the river, and a Willow Warbler singing from the woodland. A group of eleven Fieldfare flew over the reserve.
The site itself has so much potential and I sincerely hope they manage to raise enough money to acquire the land for wildlife management.
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