Peterborough Bird Club annual report Bittern Botaurus stellaris | A | Quite rare 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003
2003	Rare winter migrant and passage migrant; formerly bred in the Fens. Most records of this secretive species came from Eldernell and Woodwalton Fen NNR, with the vast majority of sightings during the first winter and early spring period. On the Nene Washes, 1-2 birds were recorded irregularly between March Farmers and Eldernell Pits from 1 Jan-10 Apr (MO). At Woodwalton Fen NNR, 1-2 birds seen regularly between 11 Jan and 28 Feb (mo), often giving very good views. A single bird was present at Ferry Meadows CP on 11 Jan (CSh, TD) and a single bird was also recorded from Crowtree (Farcet Fen) on 12 Jan (SPD). In the second winter period there were only three records; one was at Woodwalton Fen NNR on 2 Nov (RB, WB) and single birds were at Eldernell Pits on 5 Dec and 22 Dec (both RSPB, JT). Image © Steve Dudley. Click for larger version.
2002	Rare winter migrant and passage migrant; formerly bred in the Fens. A single bird roosted at Eldernell on 12 Jan (BHS) and 14 Jan (RSPB); towards the end of the year, at least one bird roosted regularly in the area around Eldernell Pits (MO). One was seen hunting voles on top of the barrier bank west of March Farmers on 30 Nov (MAW) and was seen to roost at March Farmers on 1 Dec (MAW). Summer records included singles at RSPB Low Wash on 15 May and Eldernell Pits on 28 Aug (both RSPB) and at Ferry Meadows CP on 4 Jul (TD). A single bird was also at Woodwalton Fen NNR on 19 Oct (MH, JL, DP).
2001	Rare winter migrant and passage migrant. Formerly bred in the Fens. It is well over a century since Bittern last bred in the northern fens, but one on the Nene Washes in June may be an encouraging record as suitable habitat develops there (RSPB). Otherwise, a typical winter record from the Nene Washes of one on several dates 24 Jan-16 Feb (RSPB, MCo, CM) and from 11 Dec to the year's end (JT, SPD).
2000	Rare winter visitor. One at the Nene Washes on 5 Jan was a typical record (CK). On 24 Mar, an exceptional record of one flying north over Orton Longueville (SPD), with perhaps the same bird at Eldernell on the same date (AG). One at Woodwalton Fen NNR on 9 Dec.
1999	Rare winter visitor. Three records from the Nene Washes and Eldernell Pit on 25 Oct, 28 Nov and 10 Dec (CK) - probably the same bird.
1998	Rare winter visitor. Up to two at Woodwalton Fen NNR in December (CBR). Nene Washes: A single record came from March Farmers set-aside on 23 Dec.
	report home | species index | introduction | next species | contributors | contact