RSPB Rye Meads nature reserve, near Hoddesdon, is delighted to announce the first of the winter bitterns have returned to the reserve!

RSPB Rye Meads nature reserve, near Hoddesdon, is delighted to announce the first of the winter bitterns have returned to the reserve!

Just one week after 1,000 rudd, small silver fish, were released into the lagoon to provide much needed food for fish eating bird the first bittern has been seen at the reserve.

The bittern is one of the UK’s rarest birds, and they over winter in the Lee Valley. Last year two bitterns were seen at the reserve – fingers crossed we will get great views again this year!

Their plumage is one of nature’s greatest examples of camouflage. They have pale feathers with dark stripes, allowing them to melt into the background of their favoured habitat; rendering them virtually invisible in reedbeds.

Louise Moss, RSPB Information Officer says, 'Bittern’s are amazing creatures, here at Rye Meads we’ve been making sure our reedbed 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 reedbeds; hopefully we’ll have great views this year!'