American Bittern… aka "thunder-pumper", "stake-driver", "mire-drum". Though not often seen, their sounds are commonly heard in the Refuge marshes this time of year. These secretive marshbirds frequent shorelines and vegetation edges that are dominated by tall emergent wetland plants. Their calls - loud, low, resonant, pumping sounds - are used to communicate within the thick vegetation, apparently to defend territory and find mates. This individual was both heard and seen (through a spotting sco

Have you heard Britain’s loudest bird? Bitterns are beginning to boom at many of our nature reserves. 😃 At Lancashire’s RSPB Leighton Moss, which boasts the largest reedbed in North West England, these elusive heron-like birds can be already be heard booming across the reserve and Morecambe Bay. Did you know the female Bittern can hear the male’s mating call from up to 3 km away? Let us know if you’ve heard any booming Bitterns at RSPB Leighton Moss or your local reserve! Visit https://bit.ly/L

American bittern singing (Botaurus lentiginosus) | BIRDS & Nature