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Spotted while doing a wetland survey of Environment Canterbury land around the lower section of Åtukaikino Creek and tribs. (I saw one on the Friday before this as well). On Friday the bird flew out of a patch of Juncus pallidus and J. sarophorus rushland, on Monday the bird flew out of the willow treeland next to the creek.
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Photo taken by 'Trail Camera' installed by Robyn Jones of 'Friends of Mangarakau'. We are currently hearing (and recording) lots of male 'booming' in this area.
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You'll have to take my word for it that the white blob centre right is the head of a bittern, but it was verified with binoculars by an experienced bird-watcher.
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Bittern on the edge of the road, Lakeside Road, on the edge of Catlins Lake.
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Photo taken by a 'Trail Camera' installed by 'Friends of Mangarakau'. Camera was placed hoping to get a photo of Spotless Crake recently observed in this area, but we will settle for this nice shot of a bittern in the meantime. Analysis of sound recordings of Bitterns booming in the area last October indicate there were probably about 15 - 20 males present.
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Bird disturbed in the rushes beside a boardwalk.
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Bird disturbed in the rushes beside a boardwalk.
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Booming and flight displays. Up to 6 at once. Photo by Rima Herber.
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Trust me. It is the resident bittern. View large.
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Skulking along in full stealth mode.
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Standing in a paddock across the road from MÄori land wetland. Imitated grass for a bit, watched us, fluffed up feathers, then flapped across road.