Today I visited the Flachsee in Canton Aargau, one of my favorite birding destinations in Switzerland. It is an artificial lake on the Reuss river which is well known to birders and even has its own hide. Rarities that have been recorded here include Gull-billed Tern and Audouin's Gull and Black-winged Stilts have even attempted nesting here. I have seen Black-winged Stilts, both Godwits and Eurasian Spoonbills here in the past.
The Eurasian Bittern however is not strictly speaking a rarity, but an uncommon winter guest that has somehow eluded me until now. Due to its camouflaged plumage, which can look indistinguishable from the surrounding reeds, along with its solitary habits and its secretive behaviour it is not easy to find this species. Despite this, I managed to find one and this being my first encounter with this species I was overjoyed to be able to see this bird and even more happy to see it from a short distance and get some pretty good shots.
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| Eurasian Bittern - 13/11/1 |
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| Eurasian Bittern - 13/11/16 |
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| Eurasian Bittern - 13/11/16 |
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| Eurasian Bittern - 13/11/16 |
