Rare bitterns arrive for winter

The RSPB’s Dungeness reserve is proving the perfect destination with the enhanced reedbeds and supply of fish for the birds to feed on. Sightings are being made most days at one of two sites, Denge Marsh and the Hanson-ARC pit.

RSPB site manager Bob Gomes said: “Bitterns are very secretive birds so can be hard to spot.

“We know we have at least three present at the moment and as the weather turns colder we expect to see more.”

Between 1967 and 2002 only one or two birds were seen each winter but from 2002 numbers increased to three or more.

The maximum count was eight in January 2009 when extremely icy conditions forced birds out into the open to feed. Last winter five birds were recorded.

Bob added: “When we started our bittern safaris a few years ago the chances of seeing one were quite slim although we still had fun looking. Now birds are seen more often than not on these events, reflecting the increasing numbers on site.”

The birds have gone from strength to strength after work was carried out to improve the reedbed habitat on the reserve. The first booming male was recorded last year and this summer saw the first confirmed breeding after a female was seen exhibiting classic feeding behaviour, indicating chicks in the nest.

Bob said: “In previous years they always left for Europe to breed. To have confirmed breeding on the reserve this year was a great reward for all the work we have carried out. Hopefully these birds will make this their permanent home and we’ll continue to see an increase in numbers.”

One of the key concerns with the UK’s bittern population in the 1990s was that reedbeds were drying out, preventing the bird from finding enough food. Loss of this habitat has led to a sustained decline. The very small population makes it a Red List species - one of the most threatened in the UK.

You could be lucky enough to get a glimpse of one of these rare birds if you join one of the bittern safaris being run over the winter.

Bob added: “This is a great time of year to visit Dungeness with lots of birds coming over to spend the winter months here.

“It highlights the importance of protecting places like Dungeness which provide space for these birds and all the people who come here to enjoy the natural surroundings.

“This is why we must fight the threat from developments such as the Lydd Airport expansion. If it goes ahead it could signal the death knoll for these and other rare birds which come here seeking sanctuary.”

The airport expansion plans have now been called in for Public Inquiry. To find out how you can support the RSPB’s campaign to stop the expansion, go to: www.rspb.org.uk/savingspecialplaces.

Bittern Safaris are running on Saturday December 11, Sunday January 23 and Sunday February. All from 11am to 1pm. Booking essential. Phone 01797 320588.