Two 'firsts' in one day!

[glsammy]

Well done, I'm very jealous Billy, both of these have evaded me so far.I've seen Bitterns but the best shot I got was a distant flight shot. The nearest I've got to Bearded Tits is to hear one.

[BillyPilgrim]

Cheers Fourwings and Graham.

One thing to note about the Bittern. Had I been on my own in the hide I would never have seen it.

There was bloke in there who pointed it out for me but I still couldn't see it. After about 4 or 5 further attempts with the guy patiently pointing to where the bird was, I finally saw it - and that was only because it moved!

I know it shows up clearly in the photo but from 30 yards away, looking through the viewfinder, it was a very different matter.

This made me realise the probable reason why I'd never spotted one before - because I don't look closely enough! In future I will definitely take my binoculars and scan the edge of the reeds very closely.

[sunnydale]

Wonderful photos Billy

Am I right in thinking the 'beardless' bird is a female and not a juvenile?
(I can't see any dark edges on the tail or on the back, which the juvenile has.)

Tracey

[BillyPilgrim]

Originally Posted by sunnydale

Wonderful photos Billy

Am I right in thinking the 'beardless' bird is a female and not a juvenile?
(I can't see any dark edges on the tail or on the back, which the juvenile has.)

Tracey

Cheers Tracey, I assumed they were a breeding pair as they were hanging about together. Could be wrong though - I usually am

[Richard G.]

Cracking pictures Billy
Especially like the Bittern, really shows it in it's environment and striking a superb pose too, bit of an animal landscape really.

[GME]

Lovely birds and lovely photos!

Great to get such close ups too

[richnfamous]

That's a great Bittern pic. It really catches their 'skulking' side and you can see what those big feet are for. Nice!