HampshireBirder

The Great Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) is one of my favourite birds. However Bitterns can be amazingly elusive at the best of times and are rarely easy to see. I have heard about a birder who spent 3 years regularly visiting Cley Marshes in Norfolk before he finally saw one. Now though he has seen one at least 5 times this year. Perhaps this is a sign of the changing times. In 1997 there were only 11 booming (male) Bitterns in the UK, but by 2004 there were 55, an amazing increase. However in 2005 the figure dropped to 46. In the winter Bitterns are much easier to see, particularly in freezing weather when they are forced to come into the open in order to feed. Also at this time of year they disperse to other parts of the country. In this article I will briefly write about the different places in the south of England where you can often see Bitterns during the winter, so that those who have not been fortunate enough to see one of these magnificent birds will be able to go out this winter and see one!

Berkshire:
Lavell's Lake LNR: Part of Dinton Pastures CP, this site has been attracting 2 wintering Bitterns for the last few years. They can sometime be seen very well in the reedbeds here although your best chance of a sighting is at dusk when they fly to a roosting area. Other birds that can be seen here include Goldeneye & Egyptian Goose.

Cornwall:
Marazion Marsh RSPB - The vast reedbeds at Marazion Marsh are among the most important in the country. Therefore it is not surprising that 1 or 2 Bittern usually spend the winter here. Other birds that may be seen here depending on the time of year include Aquatic Warbler & Spotted Crake.

Devon:
Slapton Ley NNR - For the last 3 winters a Bittern has wintered at Slapton Ley NNR. There are 2 hides at the Ley where the bird can be seen from but due to the size of the place it can be difficult to locate. This is also an excellent area for Cirl Bunting.

Dorset:
Hatch Pond LNR, Poole - This small pond in the middle of the city of Poole that is surrounded by housing looks to be a surprisingly odd place to find a Bittern. However for the last few winters one has taken up residence on the pond. Since the pond is relatively small and only has small areas of reedbed the bird is usually quite easy to see. Also this particular site is very popular for watching Bitterns and local birders are nearly always present meaning that there are more eyes to find the Bittern with. Otter & Jack Snipe have also been seen at this location in the winter whilst Common Snipe (record count of 61) and Water Rail can also be seen here.

Radipole Lake RSPB, Weymouth - As with Hatch Pond this reserve is right in the middle of the city, however it certainly looks like somewhere were a Bittern might be seen. Up to 2 Bitterns normally winter here, often commuting to nearby Lodmoor RSPB reserve, only a mile away. They are most often seen from the North Hide although any of the large reedbeds here look suitable for Bitterns. Among the other birds that you may see here are Bearded Tit, Cetti's Warbler & Mediterranean Gull.

East Sussex:
Rye Harbour - Up to 8 Bitterns usually winter at Rye Harbour. Go to the viewpoint at Castle Water at dusk and you will probably see them coming into roost. Others birds that could be seen here include Smew, Water Rail & Long-eared Owl.

Greater London:
The London Wetland Centre (Barnes WWT) - 2 Bitterns have wintered here for the last 3 years and can be seen very well at times. They can be seen in the area called the reedbeds or around the main lake. However in the 05/06 winter they favoured the area of reedbed between the Peacock Tower and the WWF hide where exceptional views have been had from in the past. Other birds that may be seen here include Jack Snipe, Kingfisher & large flocks of winter wildfowl.

Hampshire:
Fleet Pond LNR - Fleet Pond has regularly attracted Bitterns during the winter in recent years. Normally 2 winter in the reedbeds here. They are often seen at dusk when they may be seen flying over the reedbeds to roost in a different section of reeds. Conveniently there is a train station right next to the pond meaning that you don't have to drive. Other birds that may be seen here include Goosander, Kingfisher & Lesser Spotted Woodpecker.

Titchfield Haven NNR - The large reedbeds at Titchfield Haven normally hold 1 or 2 Bitterns during the winter. Due to the size of the reedbeds they are often difficult to locate however if you are willing to wait a long time then you may see them flying over the reeds from the Suffern hide and sometimes the scrape hides. Look in the visitor centre for the latest sightings. Other birds that you may see here include Cetti's Warbler, Bearded Tit, Eider, Avocet & Mediterranean Gull.

Kent:
Dungeness RSPB - Up to 3 Bitterns regularly winter at Dungeness RSPB reserve. They are most often seen in the small patches of reedbed on Burrowes Pit and the New Excavations. Other birds that may be seen here include, Smew, Goldeneye, Marsh Harrier & Bewick's Swan.

Stodmarsh NNR - The vast wetlands around Stodmarsh and Grove Ferry are the regular wintering grounds for up to 6 Bitterns. The hides overlooking the lagoons and pools give the best opportunities for watching Bitterns. The list of other birds likely to be seen here is endless but may include various passage waders, raptors, ducks, warblers & often a rarity or two.

Somerset:
Shapwick Heath NNR - Next to Westhay Moors NNR and again part of the Somerset Levels this site also regularly attracts 1 or 2 wintering Bitterns. There are hides here with the one overlooking Noah's Lake being the best. Other birds that may be seen here depending on the time of year include Barn Owl, Garganey, Hobby, Whimbrel & Black Tern.

Westhay Moors NNR - 1 or 2 Bitterns usually winter on this part of the Somerset Levels. They are best seen towards dusk from the hides on the reserve. Also an enormus roost of Starlings is a feature of this reserve. Other birds that may be seen here include Goldeneye, Goosander, Merlin & Barn Owl.

Piczo