Bittern in Norfolk

Joe662 · #1 (**permalink**) 25-02-2010, 04:00 AM

After spookin a bittern

yesterday and makin it fly off..... I wanna get out there and try and find one again. So where does everyone think is the best spot in Norfolk to go out and spot one?

aeshna5 · #2 (**permalink**) 25-02-2010, 04:33 AM

Cley + Titchwell are both worth trying, but if you're prepared to cross the border, I find Minsmere in Suffolk rarely fails to produce one.

Joe662 · #3 (**permalink**) 25-02-2010, 05:47 AM

thanks, think a visit to cley is in order then. Next time i fancy a longer drive Minsmere it is tho

Jonners · #4 (**permalink**) 25-02-2010, 08:47 AM

As Aeshna says, Titchwell is good and Lakenheath Fen (not too far into Suffolk) is worth trying too.

david156 · #5 (**permalink**) 25-02-2010, 06:22 PM

Hi.

Titchwell and Cley are good and even Hickling isn't bad but at only about an hour from Norwich, Minsmere is far better. I think i've only been there once in the last couple of years and not seen at least one Bittern.

David

And on that note i think i'll go to minsmere some point in the next few weeks

Joe662 · #6 (**permalink**) 25-02-2010, 06:33 PM

Saw one today but only in flight, managed to get a bad pic.....

rlchew · #7 (**permalink**) 28-02-2010, 05:51 AM

I had an excellent view of a Bittern at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB reserve in late December and they are still being reported regularly there.

I have also been lucky at Cley and Titchwell (Norfolk) and Minsmere (Suffolk) .... and in January 2009 I saw 4 separate individuals in flight at Dungeness RSPB (Kent).

The Bittern is definitely one of those "right place at the right time" birds i.e. a great heap of luck is required!

Therefore .... good luck!

Richard