Rare Bittern bird seen at Rainton Meadows. Last spotted over 10 years ago, great news for North East bird fans!
Ray Haldane took photos of the Bittern. This is great for North East bird fans because Bitterns are not often seen there. A Bittern stayed at Rainton Meadows, which last happened over ten years ago.
The bittern belongs to the heron family. It is hard to spot because its brown feathers blend in. It hides well in wetland areas where it likes to live among reeds and eats eels and small fish.
Bitterns grow to 70-80 cm tall, and their wings can span 1.3 meters. They look amazing when they fly. Male bitterns make a loud call that sounds like a foghorn, and people can hear it miles away.
Bitterns almost died out in the UK in the 1800s due to habitat loss and hunting. Now, things are getting better as people are restoring wetlands, and the population is slowly growing.
The UK still lists them as “Amber,” meaning they need ongoing protection. Bitterns are rare in the North East area. A male bittern boomed at Saltholme in 2012, but it did not find a mate.
In 2022, another male called there, and people also saw it. This gives hope for the birds. Brian Howes saw a bittern at Rainton Meadows and took wonderful pictures of it flying.
Seeing a bittern is rare now, which wildlife lovers really like. To see one, you need patience and need to look closely. The best time is early or late in the day, as the birds are most active then. More bitterns could live in the North East with more work to protect them.
