March 17th, 2014
The bittern became extinct in the UK as a breeding bird by 1900. Breeding recommenced and numbers increased up to 1950, but by 1997 was near extinction again. Today it is still an endangered species with less than 100 males despite the efforts of The RSPB creating suitable habitat at places like Lakenheath Fen. The bird is very secretive and is well camouflaged and will sit still and upright like a reed when disturbed. The male gives out a deep booming sound which can be heard several miles away. I count myself lucky to have been so close to this bittern and managed to take over 500 images of it catching fish and moving around in the reeds
