The Bittern Bath

23rd October 2023

I have been to the "Bittern Hide" at Fishers Green several times over the years and usually manage to get some views of the Bittern(s) present. These can range from one scooting across the gap in the reeds to one emerging from the reeds and lingering for a while for a photoshoot. Well today the adult Bittern took it to the next level.

It did indeed emerge from the reeds and stayed on view long enough for some shots of it just standing around taking in the scenery.

I particularly like this one as because of the reflection you get two Bitterns for the price of one.

But then the unexpected happened............it decided to have a bath. When other birds decide to bathe they usually walk into the water, get partially submerged and flap for a minute or so, have a wing-flap to dry off and then go back to land for a preen. Well, not Bitterns!!

First of all they up-end and almost disappear to get their plumage wet and get the worst off.

Then they have a good old flap, not just for a minute but several minutes and then repeated after a break.

And then have a preen, and yes, there is a Bittern in there somewhere.

And then instead of getting out on to dry land they copy humans and stay in for a soak..............

..........................and a bit of singing in the bath..................

.........................and ending up with a good old scratch.

Well in all my previous visits I have never witnessed anything like that before and just a case of being in the right place at the right time. Also good to meet Caroline Leonard and Jason Fox.