Chasing the Great Bittern
Birds near to water bodies such as heron is a common sight. When a bird of same family resembling it is a LIFER and sighting its becomes a challenge. It is difficult to identify and confirm the species. Yes Eurasian Bittern of heron family is one such migrant with cryptic plumage that makes bittens hard to spot. Particularly among reedbeds with spring growth.It was spotted again in wular lake during Chilan Kalan says author during his visit to Kashmir !
Vishwanath Radhakrishna
The boat came to an sudden halt because of over growth of water chestnut and algae. Even the powerful binocular failed to identify the bird resting in the bushes.
A Heron or Bittern. Unsettling over species !
Shouqat our boat man, cum birder confirmed it to be a ' Great bittern
As we tip toed followed with a gentle whisper, the bird foraging for food in the swamp in the midst of herons flew in trance.
We were at Wular lake, in Bandipora district of Kashmir. It was our last day of our birding tour in Kashmir. Wular lake was in news last year for sighting of Great Bittern for first time.
I felt that as migratory birds return to their seasonal habitats, the Wular lake has once again proven to be a vital refuge for avian species.
We stepped out of our boats and landed on a makeshift island ' Just Natural '. It was floating and one step, we were going down.The foliage growth was so thick, that it was bit scaring with a cushioning effect. We looked like pirates of the Carribean island !
The Vast serene lake was little short of paradise, the surrounding hills mirrored in the still water.Local boat men were busy in gathering water chestnut and fishing.
The chirping of birds was a sight to behold. A pied Kingfisher was flapping its wings high above the water body and getting ready for a prized catch.We touched the rim of the lake to sight the bittern and all the efforts were in vain.
We could spot few birds such as Puple swamphen, Common Teal, Common Coot, Common Pochard,Northern Shoveler, Magpie duck, and Mallard. We had to maintain silence and distance as the birds preferred absolute privacy !
The bittern again, appeared from nowhere and settled in the dried marshyland. Water began to seap through the cracks of the boat and we had to manage it too.This time we again touched the ground. Boatman Shouqat, Guide Waseem and Vinay member too went in search of it.The shy bird kept moving away and finally flew in grace and were able to see it closeby and finally managed to capture it in flight.
Eurasian Bittern ( Botauras Stellaris )
Bit stocky by bulit, this brown looking species belongs to heron family.Found normally in extensive reedbeds ; and is considered typically very secretive. A solitary bird and in flight.
Found especially early and late in the day. Bit Stealthy and easily overlooked.The cryptic plumage blends well with reeds. It is a masters of camouflage !
The tawny-brown face and neck, blackish cap, streaked upperparts. Bizarre "booming" call or a song in the reeds often reveals its presence.But not a easy one to capture in your camera !
With no track of time we were back to boat to reach the jetty.It was getting cold, the sun emerged from the clouds and began to shimmer in riot of colours painting the evening sky with sweeping shades of pinks, violets, oranges and yellows.
How apt to call the bird - ' GREAT '
"Sunsets are proof that no matter what happens, every day can end beautifully." — Kristen Butler
