Chuffed - Bittern at Kenfig!

StuMack · #1 (**permalink**) 30-10-2010, 07:12 PM

Hi again guys,

Well ive only really been into wildlife and birding photography for around 6 months, but today i got a great shot of a Common Bittern (migrant i guess) down at Kenfig Pool.

It was seemingly going to be one of those days - swans, coots, canada geese, gulls and little else. I headed to the hide which is situated right on the reedbeds, and after only 20 minutes and about only 25 ft away,r comes skulking a beautiful Bittern!! I'd never seen one in the wild before let alone having the camera in hand!!!

Ive had to crop and sharpen a touch but i still think its pretty very good!!

Hope you like.

Thanks, Stu

aeshna5 · #2 (**permalink**) 30-10-2010, 07:14 PM

Nice shot! There are also 2 back at the London Wetland Centre.

RobinP · #3 (**permalink**) 30-10-2010, 07:24 PM

Nice photo, they are rarely seen this much in the open.

StuMack · #4 (**permalink**) 30-10-2010, 07:26 PM

Thanks both - yeh i couldn't believe it, pure luck but we all know what an important factor luck is right! I've been buzzing all day

david156 · #5 (**permalink**) 30-10-2010, 07:42 PM

They're great birds too see, well done on the photo.

David

StuMack · #6 (**permalink**) 30-10-2010, 07:44 PM

Cheers Dave, its a beautiful bird

pammosley · #7 (**permalink**) 30-10-2010, 08:31 PM

Beautiful photo Stu. We have a bittern or 2 at our local reserve but I`ve never seen one. Lucky you

Picidae · #8 (**permalink**) 30-10-2010, 09:14 PM

Always a thrill to see a new species (especially when you manage to get a really decent photo too!)

(You're now allowed to go and twitch the American Bittern

)

StuMack · #9 (**permalink**) 30-10-2010, 09:37 PM

The uk one will keep me happy for a while yet!!!!

thebeard · #10 (**permalink**) 31-10-2010, 05:33 PM

excellent shot - especially when viewed in full size - nice and clear. there's one at attenborough now, but i'm yet to see it. There were 7 in total last winter!!!