Annual Bittern monitoring
The historic decline and its current rarity qualify it for listing as a UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species, and a red list UK Bird of Conservation concern. Its rare and threatened status led to its listing in UK and EU legislation, in particular under Annex 1 of the EU Birds Directive. The RSPB and Natural England have been responsible, through the Action for Birds in England programme, for monitoring Bitterns in the UK annually since 1990. At the same time, an intensive research programme focused on understanding the detailed habitat requirements of Bitterns, as well as habitat condition and food availability at key sites. The research programme ended in 2004, but the monitoring programme has continued. Project objectives
- Report the minimum and maximum numbers of booming male Bitterns in Britain.
- Report the minimum and maximum numbers of nest attempts that reach the chick stage in Britain.
Work planned or underway
2010 field season completed. Press release and report to follow.
2011 field season completed. Press report to follow.
Results
2009 summary report (as a PDF). 2010 summary report (as a PDF). 2011 summary report (as a PDF).
An increase in the number of booming male Bitterns, up from 87 in 2010 to 104 this year.
A large increase in the number of confirmed nests, up from 41 in 2010 to 63 this year.
An increase in the number of sites occupied by booming Bitterns, with 51 sites being used.
Further substantial increases in booming males and nesting attempts in the Avalon Marshes, Somerset.
Confirmed nesting for the first time in over 40 years at Stodmarsh, Kent.
Downloads
Bittern monitoring in the UK, Summary of the 2011 breeding season
1004Kb, PDF
Authors: Wotton, S, McIntyre, R, Schmitt, S, Gregory, R, Brown, A. 2011
Published in: RSPB & NE Report
Bittern monitoring in the UK, Summary of the 2010 breeding season
670Kb, PDF
Date: 15 October 2010
Authors: Wotton, S, Lodge, C, McIntyre, R, Schmitt, S, Gregory, R & Brown, A. 2010
Published in: RSPB & NE Report
Who to contact
Simon Wotton
Senior Conservation Scientist
E-mail: simon.wotton@rspb.org.uk
Partners
Natural EnglandFunding
Joint funding with NE, through Action for Birds in England