The wetlands welcome special winged visitors
An exciting migration season welcomes Bitterns, Glossy ibises and other special birds.
Birdwatchers visiting WWT London Wetland Centre this summer have been treated to some truly remarkable sightings. Two rare and striking species, the Bittern and the Glossy Ibis, have made appearances. Adding an extra dose of excitement to the wetlands.
A Bittern in August
Bitterns usually arrive in autumn, so spotting one in August is a rare treat. In fact, this is the third year running that a Bittern has appeared early at the centre. These secretive reedbed birds are masters of camouflage, blending almost perfectly into their surroundings. Yet, despite their stealthy nature, Bitterns are home to one of the loudest calls in the UK, producing a deep booming sound that carries across the wetlands.
A Glossy ibis settles in
Not long after, a Glossy Ibis made its own appearance at WWT London. The bird seen on Sunday 7th September marked only the third recorded sighting of the species at the site. Since then, it has been spotted on multiple occasions. While we cannot be certain it is the same bird each time, it has appeared to be settling in well, relaxing and feeding on frogs, and it looks as though it may stay around for a few more days.
Once considered very rare in the UK, the Glossy Ibis is slowly becoming more familiar to birdwatchers. With its long, curved bill and glossy feathers that shimmer with green and reddish tones, it’s hard to miss!
A huge thank you to visitor Gary Gray for capturing the incredible photo below of the Glossy ibis out on the grazing marsh.
It hasn’t just been the Bittern and Glossy Ibis stealing the spotlight, there have been other special sightings too. Garganeys have been spotted on multiple days; these small, elegant ducks are rare visitors in the UK, and we’re always thrilled to see them at the centre. Kingfishers have made several appearances, showing off their brilliant blue and orange tones. Whinchats, a small perching bird, have also been seen passing through, adding another treat for keen birders. Spotted Flycatchers, darting through the air to catch insects, have also been spotted. Cattle Egrets, usually found in warmer climates, have made brief appearances, and the Great White Egret, a large and striking heron species, has also been spotted on multiple occasions.
Why do these sightings matter?
These sightings are a wonderful reminder of the incredible wildlife that wetlands support and the surprises that nature can offer. They highlight the importance of protecting and restoring these habitats, which provide food, shelter, and safe migration stopovers for countless species.
