When will the Bitterns leave their winter sites in the south of England?

[Deb London]

I visited the London Wetland Centre at the weekend and I missed seeing the Bitterns. I also missed seeing them at the Lee Valley Park last month. I'm up for trying again this winter, as these birds are beautiful, in my opinion.

I can't seem to find out roughly when they might leave these sites. Does anyone know?

Ta.

[artdemole]

They breed in the reeds and stay around the reed beds as far as I know..Adding on a bit...Overwintering birds arrive fron Europe November and leave in March..


..Have a look at Bitterns At Tring Reservoirs...

[aeshna5]

The ones at the LWC usually go by the end of March + I would imagine the Lea Valley ones go a similar time, maybe into April if you're really lucky.

[Deb London]

Thanks aeshna5.

They don't breed here aDM. More's the pity.

That was written before your edit - ta for the extra.

[Fiona Ward]

Brilliant views of Bitterns (one eating frog) on Monday 13th at Barnes WWT if you are able to get there again.

[markp]

Originally Posted by Fiona Ward

Brilliant views of Bitterns (one eating frog) on Monday 13th at Barnes WWT if you are able to get there again.

I have been to LWC several times this year, and seen bitterns more times than I have not, but I haven't seen them every time. At the weekends, if they are showing, there are usually people who will point them out.

[Deb London]

Would be grateful to either of you if you could tell me which hide(s) to try.

It was my first time there on Sunday for a few years and so I went on a guided tour. I went to all the hides, but some with people for a brief visit. Not the best Bittern watching opportunity.

There is a Bittern at The Sanctuary Pond on Hampstead at the mo. Not familiar with that area though.

Thanks all.

[artdemole]

LWC webpage give sightings of Bittern in last few days.

[markp]

Originally Posted by Deb London

Would be grateful to either of you if you could tell me which hide(s) to try.

It was my first time there on Sunday for a few years and so I went on a guided tour. I went to all the hides, but some with people for a brief visit. Not the best Bittern watching opportunity.

I'm not a regular there, so I don't know what to recommend - I just walk around the hides, do a scan of the reedbeds from each one, and see where most people are and whether they have seen anything. I guess you were on the 11am tour, as I think it was the 2pm tour who were lucky to get a good view when I was in the Peacock Tower on Sunday. Two were showing well on the north edge of the main lake, so I got good views from Dulverton and also Peacock Tower. The previous time I saw one, it was visible from Wildside at a long distance, on the south side of the main lake, with better views from the tower. I don't have a scope which makes it a bit difficult to spot them, but not impossible.

[aeshna5]

The Bitterns do move around the site so it's best to ask on the day where they've been seen (if at all) + try from the hide suggested.