ixobrychus minutus

Blongios nain - Ixobrychus minutus - Little Bittern

I was extremely surprised to see this little bittern watching the marbled teals at El Clot from the reeds- I thought these fly off to Africa or something at the end of the year. Given this region sometimes holds ospreys in the winter though, I think I shouldn't be as surprised. First time I ever...

LUIS SITGES http://birdingtrekkingandnaturecom-luis.blogspot.com.es/2014/06/birding-madrid.html

Another lifer from our Lesvos trip

This is not a great shot but it's a bird that's that's rarely seen here and one that I will probably never get another chance to photograph. It was spotted by my birding pal, Stephen Young who, in 40 years, has only ever seen one other. The reed bed it was sat in wasn't so much of a problem, but...