The Fishers Green Bittern

26th January 2026

The Fishers Green Wildlife Discovery Centre is well known for providing close views of Bitterns during the winter months for several years now, but this winter didn't start well. Up to the middle of January a single Bittern had been seen, but proved to be very elusive and was recorded on just a handful of  occasions. However, since the middde of January it has been showing very well and has been seen for long periods in the open, so time for a visit. As I approached the hide I was assured the bird was in full view and I could see it as I entered the hide. It was only as I took my seat that it walked into the reeds. Typical!!

It did eventually re-appear, peering out to make sure it was safe to do so.

Once satisfied it was safe it walked out into the open and strutted up and down looking for the best place to fish.

When they are just standing in the water you don't see their feet, but when they walk they lift them out of the water and they are huge and green!!!

It then settled down for a spot of fishing. I just love the way they peer under the floating vegetation to see if any fish are lurking there.

The one thing I have found out over the 50 years I have been watching Bitterns is the extent to which an individual can vary its size. I have seen Bitterns in freezing conditions huddled down to keep warm and they look about just one foot tall. But then the same bird can stand up and stretch and be nearly three feet tall.

And a first for me today was to photograph a Bittern and its reflection.

Well what a great couple of hours in great company and good to have a catch-up with Roy Balne, and Rose and Dave Newbold.

I have since found out that the Bittern was seen up to two days later, but then disappeared and has not been seen since, and it is about this time of year they return to their breeding grounds.