As part of the Jubilee beak we did a trip up to Leighton Moss. We were doing OK, glimpse of a Bittern, good views of a Marsh Harrier, Bearded Tit and Cetti Warbler etc. We got to the lower hide just a drop or two of rain fell, it eventually became torrential and the sky showed no sign of it easing; people were deciding to give up the days birding and head back to the visitors centre. We decided to sit it out along with 3 older birders and an 8 year old boy called Noah (his first visit with a great aunt) suddenly two of us called in unison "bittern" and all six of us got on it and saw a second bird join it in flight and fly across the reedbed. As is normal for bitterns the birds quickly flew into the reedbed but what was unusula was that I was able to follow the birds in an get them in the the bins and then the scope for all to enjoy. The birds (two males I think) then sat and occasionally displayed and boomed for 45 minutes while in view.
To make Noah's day I was able to point out an Otter that showed quite well in the same area and then an Osprey with a fish, we all agreed with hime he was one very lucky boy to see a first Bittern, Osprey and otter on the same day.
My photos across the mere were poor in the light but capture the moment.
To make Noah's day I was able to point out an Otter that showed quite well in the same area and then an Osprey with a fish, we all agreed with hime he was one very lucky boy to see a first Bittern, Osprey and otter on the same day.
My photos across the mere were poor in the light but capture the moment.
