Bitterns 2013!

Almost a year ago to the day I photographed Bitterns as well as I had before. and was treated to spectacular views, all within London. Over this winter I've spent many many hours encamped in hides waiting for these elusive and expertly camouflaged birds to appear. There's no guarantee with them of course, but I've managed to get some images I'm pleased with over the past few weeks.

 This image was taken when one individual ventured very close to one of the hides, but never came out in the open, so the only opportunity for photographs was when its head appeared through the reeds.

One day, I had been sitting in a hide from 9.30, and it was fast approaching 4.30. The light was getting worse, and I was starting to think about packing up. It was lucky I didn't though, as at 4.20 one flew in from the main reedbed and into the reeds right in front of the hide. The above image has been altered however. I had to add some canvas onto the left, and also extend a couple of the reeds out to the left.

It then landed halfway up the reeds and stood there for about a minute.

The day after that I saw the birds from another hide, this time in lovely evening sunlight. It had gradually worked its way closer to the hide, and then emerged from these green reeds.

I did get some other pictures of Bitterns, so will share these with you next time.

Thanks for reading.