Two 'firsts' in one day!

BillyPilgrim · #1 (**permalink**) 17-11-2009, 08:21 PM

I've been wanting to see a Bittern and a Bearded Tit for some time now. In fact I've lost count of the number of times I've been to Potteric Carr NR to see the Bittern without catching a glimpse.

Today I got to see them both in the space of a few hours at Far Ings in Barton-upon-Humber.

I drove home with a big, satisified grin on my face.

I managed to get a few pictures too which I thought I'd share.

The Bittern was really stealthy and I would have missed it if someone in the hide hadn't pointed it out for me!

Ukwildlifeo · #2 (**permalink**) 17-11-2009, 08:25 PM

Nice one. Getting photos of your firsts is great but GOOD photos is marvellous, I can see why you had a big grin on your face

welsh.lensman · #3 (**permalink**) 17-11-2009, 08:43 PM

Great pictures Billy, you must be really chuffed, I know I would be.

Ollie · #4 (**permalink**) 17-11-2009, 08:56 PM

Great shots Billy. Always very satisfying when you get firsts. The bittern and beardies have been showing well at Far Ings this last few weeks. Unfortunately work commitments have stopped me getting over there.

PMG · #5 (**permalink**) 18-11-2009, 08:37 AM

Nice one BP Well done! We spent the day at Leighton Moss yesterday where bitterns and beardies have been showing ......... I got lucky with the beardies last week - but bittern - not a chance ........ We arrived at the Lower Hide at 8.15am and finally packed in at 3.15pm ....... the bittern flew in and dropped out of sight and remained out of sight (others have had it parading up and down out in the open ........) then a few hours later it flew off and away again ..... and the beardies were heard somewhere behind the hide a couple of times ........

Some you win and some .............

BillyPilgrim · #6 (**permalink**) 18-11-2009, 11:17 AM

Thanks for the comments everyone.

Ollie - a bloke I talked to reckoned that this Bittern is a new(ish) arrival and regularly appears in the open on the grass bank in front of the Ness hide. It had been doing this shortly before I turned up yesterday before going into the reeds.

big bill · #7 (**permalink**) 18-11-2009, 02:01 PM

Great set of pics Billy well done

love the pic of the Bittern but then they are all great again well done

colincurry · #8 (**permalink**) 18-11-2009, 04:55 PM

Well done, Billy - you clearly made the most of the opportunity.

Colin

Ollie · #9 (**permalink**) 18-11-2009, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillyPilgrim

Ollie - a bloke I talked to reckoned that this Bittern is a new(ish) arrival and regularly appears in the open on the grass bank in front of the Ness hide. It had been doing this shortly before I turned up yesterday before going into the reeds.

Yep I think there is a newish arrived Bittern that has been showing well but there is also at least one long term stayer that often gives decent views especially in flight opportunities.