What is a Bittern?
A rare and shy heron, the Bittern spends almost all its time hidden away in large reedbeds, where it feeds on eels and other fish. It is has wonderfully camouflaged plumage, helping it to blend into the reeds. It can also stand motionless for long periods to avoid detection.
Our eagle eyed (and patient) visitors have seen the Bittern in two places at Brockholes this winter, begging the question, is this a lone Bittern, or are there two?!
Classified as Amber in the UK Conservation status, there are said to be 80 male Bitterns breeding in the UK, with around 600 birds breeding here. It is thought there are between 21 and 29 thousand breeding pairs in Europe.