I bet there arn’t too many New Zealanders who know what a bittern looks like, or even that they exist. Hiding out in wetlands they are so cryptic and camouflaged you’ll be lucky to spot one. With the help of some friends, I was lucky enough to see this male recently in Whangapoua Harbour, where Mana Manu Trust (www.manamanu.org.nz) are pest controlling to increase the odds of their survival. With fewer than 1000 remaining they need all the help they can get. These images arn’t high quality, but I count myself incredibly lucky to have seen one. The slightest movement from me, and it was out of there.
