Bittern

Botaurus stellaris

After becoming a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation in 1986 reedbeds on the East basin began to develop. Before then the only known record of this scarce reedbed dwelling species in Stoke Newington was a bird found in a bus-stop during the exceptionally cold winter of 1963.

Rare here, one was seen flying along the north bank on the 8th of January 2003, with another present on the 20th of December 2010. One for a day on the 19th of January 2016 was seen in the north reedbed by several observers.

Famous for its booming call, which can carry a kilometre or more, each bird sounds slightly different.

Number in Britain: 80 Males (Summer)

Status:

in London: scarce winter visitor, often returning to favoured sites.

in UK: Resident breeder, winter visitor

Habitat: Reedbed & marshes

Diet: Mostly fish, amphibians, insects but wide variety, mostly in shallow water in or near cover.

• Systematic List of the Birds of Stoke Newington Reservoirs / Woodberry Wetlands

Data from the London Natural History Society (LNHS) and British Trust for Ornithology (BTO)