Little Bittern, Amwell Nature Reserve

Reports of a Little Bittern seen in flight at Amwell NR today, had us planning the trip if any more positive sightings were broadcast. Forty-five minutes later the news services reported the bird as having been seen again in flight from the viewpoint. That was all the encouragement we needed. 

Amwell Nature Reserve is only 15 miles from home and with no traffic delays, we were parked up along Amwell Lane within 30 minutes. As we approached the viewpoint our main concern was if the bird was still present or had it just been a fly-over, never to be seen again?  Although all the reports had stated "Still from the viewpoint" this was not the case, Birders returning along the canal path told us it had in fact flown over Great Hardmead lake and was currently perched in a tree beyond the lake.  After another half a mile walk along the towpath, we joined a small group of birders who had the bird in sight!

Great Hardmead lake as we arrived

It remained in the tree for several minutes and then flew low and disappeared from view. Unfortunately for the later arrivals, it would not be seen again today.

It could have gone to roost in trees bordering the lake beyond the River Lynch and hopefully will be re-found again tomorrow.

This was my second Little Bittern within the London recording area, having seen the Rickmansworth individual in 2012, and my fourth overall.

Great Hardmead lake as we were leaving