(Image: Dave Pearce/CAMERA CLUB)
A rare and famously secretive bird has been spotted in the skies of the North East by a photographer.
The bittern, a large wetland bird related to the heron, is usually very difficult to see because it spends much of its time hidden among tall reeds. But this one was sighted by Northern Echo Camera Club member Dave Pearce at RSPB Saltholme, near Stockton.
Its pale brown feathers are covered with darker streaks, helping it blend almost perfectly into its surroundings.
Bitterns will also sometimes stand completely still with their bills pointing upwards, making themselves look even more like the reeds around them.
The bittern
(Image: Dave Pearce/CAMERA CLUB)
The bird was once on the brink of disappearing from Britain.
Bitterns had effectively died out as breeding birds in the UK by the beginning of the 20th century before later returning, but their numbers remained extremely low for many years.
In 1997, just 11 booming males were recorded in Britain.
Numbers have since increased following major conservation work to protect, restore and create the large reedbeds the birds need to survive.
Despite that recovery, the bittern remains a rare bird in Britain, and sightings can be memorable because of how well it keeps itself hidden.
The species is classified as Amber under the Birds of Conservation Concern 5 assessment and is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Bitterns live mainly in large freshwater reedbeds, where they quietly make their way through shallow water in search of fish, eels and other food.
The Wildlife Trusts describe the bittern as a “shy and retiring” bird and a master of blending into its reedbed home.
They can grow to between 70cm and 80cm long and have a wingspan of around 1.3 metres.
Although seeing one can be difficult, the birds can be much easier to detect during the breeding season because of the extraordinary call made by males.
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Known as “booming”, the deep call has been compared to a foghorn and can carry over long distances across a wetland.
The Wildlife Trusts says the booming call can be heard from as far as two miles away, particularly at night.
In the North East, large reedbed sites including RSPB Saltholme in the Tees Valley and East Chevington Nature Reserve in Northumberland provide the kind of wetland habitat used by bitterns.
The species can be seen throughout the year in Britain, although it remains scarce and elusive.