15-02-2025
All of the sightings of 'rare' bird across North East skies over the years
Nature lovers and bird watchers in the North East have been delighted by several rare sightings of the elusive bittern over the years.
The recent appearance of a bittern at Rainton Meadows on February 4 has reignited interest in the species, which remains a rare visitor to the region.
Bitterns, members of the heron family, are known for their expert camouflage and deep, booming call.
Their secretive nature and preference for large reedbeds make them difficult to spot, making each sighting a special occasion for bird enthusiasts.
The Bittern at Rainton - February 4 (Image: RAY HALDANE)
A Bittern at RSPB Saltholme in January this year (Image: ROGER SIMPSON)
A Bittern at Rainton Meadows in July 2024 (Image: RAY HALDANE)
A Bittern (Image: Gordon MacPherson)
A Bittern in the North East (Image: MICHAEL THOMPSON)
A Bittern in Gosforth Park nature reserve in 2019 (Image: Peter Oughton) One of the most significant bittern encounters in the North East occurred in 2012 at RSPB Saltholme in Stockton.
For the first time, a male was heard booming in the area, raising hopes of a potential breeding attempt. However, despite the excitement, the bird failed to attract a mate.
A decade later, in 2022, another male was recorded at RSPB Saltholme, this time accompanied by sightings. This raised fresh hopes for the species' gradual return to the region, as conservation efforts continue to support wetland habitats crucial for their survival.
The latest sighting at Rainton Meadows is particularly special, as the last recorded instance of a bittern staying in the area for an extended period dates back more than a decade.
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Local bird watcher Brian Howes captured striking images of a bittern in flight at the site last year, adding to the excitement around its rare appearances.
While still an infrequent visitor, every bittern sighting in the North East is a cause for celebration.
With ongoing conservation efforts, the presence of these magnificent birds in the region may become more common in the years to come - or so it's hoped.
While we have done a round up of Bitterns - these are just some of the images we have from our Camera Club collection and not exhaustive of every image of Bitterns ever taken in the North East
