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Bitterns return to River Lee for winter

3rd Nov 2011

The first bittern of the winter has been sighted at Rye Meads Nature Reserve on the River Lee in Hertfordshire.

The bittern is one of the UK’s rarest birds, and they over-winter in the Lea Valley. The RSPB’s Rye Meads Nature Reserve had two bitterns spend the winter there last year, and they hope to encourage the birds to stay again this year. A week earlier, staff at the reserve had released 1,000 rudd – a small silver species of fish – into the lagoon to provide much-needed food for any bitterns that might arrive.

Winter wildlife

Rye Meads is a good place to see bitterns because it has plentiful reed beds, the bird’s favourite habitat.

Louise Moss, RSPB information officer said: “Bitterns are amazing creatures.Here at Rye Meads we’ve been making sure our reed beds are perfect habitats for them. Only last week we added 1000 rudd – so the bitterns will have lots of food this winter. Keep an eye on the reed beds; hopefully we’ll have great views this year!”

The bittern is a large heron-like bird with pale brown feathers with dark streaks. This allows them to be well-camouflaged in reed beds. Many bitterns spend the summer further south in Europe and Asia, before migrating to Britain for the winter.

Last updated: 03/11/2011

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