Bitterns, a secretive bird previously threatened with extinction as a breeding species in the UK, have had yet another brilliant breeding season with 234 booming males counted in 2023, according to new survey results from the RSPB and Natural England.
The newly released annual bittern monitoring project figures are up 24% on the number of booming bitterns recorded just 5 years ago, marking the significant conservation progress that has been made in the species’ recovery.
Experts say if you'd like to hear the species' iconic boom for yourself, now's the time - as males try to attract females on RSPB reserves this spring.
Video: Steve Everett/RSPB
