The mins past 18:00, when Bitterns appeared at Kingfisher Hide, Teifi Marshes this evening.
5 birders witnessed Bitterns this evening, from the gap before you reach the hide, & I'm still in shock!
No. 1 -- flew along the reed-bed, below the badger trail scrub, & went down at the back of the reeds. This being the long established Bittern flight seen regularly since last Oct, & likely the Bittern that has been seen during the day in front of the hide.
No.2 -- Flew in over our heads from the direction (slightly West) of the mud hide, & went down in the reeds to the back & left.
No.3 -- Flew in over our heads but more directly from the direction of the mud hide. This bird was distinctly more bleached across the mantle than the others.
Perhaps Bitterns 2 & 3 are relative newcomers to the reserve, perhaps even passage birds?
Interestingly on 12 March last year, Wendy & I were returning to cars parked at Priory Bridge, ie the opposite end of the reserve, reed-bed, & c500+m away.... & at 18:45 had a Bittern in flight.
Is the Marshes a regular March site for passage Bitterns from their westerly wintering haunts?
(Rich D, Jill & Mike, Beth, & Steve B. who has eventually caught up with a Bittern here, cutting it fine arriving at 18:36.... & still has no idea where the mud/otter hide is!!)
