I went out today despite the occasionally shite weather, and dropped in at Barnes, the WWT wetlands centre in London. Mix of ducks, a couple of siskins, and... the best views I have ever had of a bittern.
He came out to the edge of the reeds, and posed, turning round occasionally, for around twenty minutes. Drooped a wing every so often, struck an odd pose with wings spread and neck fully extended with all the feathers fluffed out, then flew to another reed patch. His plumage was absolutely fresh and pristine, and he was utterly gorgeous. I felt blessed.
I still laughed when he landed, as he had clearly misjudged the depth of the water and had to scrabble to get back up onto drier reedery, before disappearing into the foliage.