Rarely seen American bittern spotted in UK for first time in eight years
Lucky birdwatchers spot wading bird flying alongside its European cousin in Suffolk
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Hundreds of bird watchers flocked to Britain after an American bittern was spotted for the first time in almost a decade.
People came from across Europe to catch a glimpse of the bird, which is believed not to have been seen in the UK since 2010.
It was first sighted on Saturday evening flying above the reeds in Carlton Marshes, Suffolk; the first time it has been recorded in the county.
After reports of the sighting were posted on social media, admirers arrived in droves to see the bird for themselves.
Photographer Jeff Higgott captured an image of the wading bird in flight after waiting by the reeds for more than six hours.
The 52-year-old said: “I saw it on Sunday evening at about 4.30pm and again yesterday [Monday] around 5pm after six hours.”
In one picture, the American bittern can be seen flying close to a Eurasian bittern, a close relative that is far more common in the region.
Both birds are known for their distinctive and loud booming calls.
They can be difficult to spot in the reed beds they inhabit due to their effective camouflage.
Mr Higgott added: “It has been quite elusive. When it flew with the Eurasian bittern, there were about 60 people there at the time who got a look at it.
“It was hard to get that shot.”
The American bittern is a species of wading bird from the heron family which breeds in Canada and the northern and central parts of the United States.
SWNS
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments