• Welcome to BirdForum, the internet's largest birding community with thousands of members from all over the world. The forums are dedicated to wild birds, birding, binoculars and equipment and all that goes with it.

    Please register for an account to take part in the discussions in the forum, post your pictures in the gallery and more.
ZEISS DTI thermal imaging cameras. For more discoveries at night, and during the day.

Bittern booming at Titchwell RSPB reserve for first time since 1991 (1 Viewer)

Chris Monk

Well-known member
From BBC web site:

Bittern booming at nature reserve

Experts hope the bittern population will reach 100 males by 2020

A booming bittern, one of the UK's rarest birds, has been heard at the RSPB's Titchwell Marsh reserve for the first time since 1991.

The reserve has the second largest reedbed in north Norfolk, and has just been improved for the bird by lowering the reedbed and introducing fish.

In Suffolk, nine bitterns are now booming at Minsmere and another two at North Warren near Aldeburgh.

The bittern population has increased fivefold over the past seven years.

In 1997 only 11 bitterns were found during a UK-wide survey, but in 2004, experts counted 55 bitterns at 30 sites.

Researchers use the male bittern's booming call as a method of estimating the population of this otherwise secretive bird.
 
Last edited:
Chris

Whilst I agree that the RSPB is doing a great job managing its reed reserves for Bittern's. Here in the Uk we do have far more wintering birds, and it should be remembered that 'booming' is not conclusive proof of a breeding bird; also many people think they can hear a booming when it is confussed with another sound!!

Also please be careful then you state locations - becuase you quite rightly say these birds are secreative and if they were breeding in an area the slightest disturbance could cause them to abandon the area
 
Titchwell

fr0sty said:
Chris

Also please be careful then you state locations - becuase you quite rightly say these birds are secreative and if they were breeding in an area the slightest disturbance could cause them to abandon the area

Titchwell was named in the article on the BBC web site.
 
Last edited:
Warning! This thread is more than 19 years ago old.
It's likely that no further discussion is required, in which case we recommend starting a new thread. If however you feel your response is required you can still do so.

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top