Lough Beg Bittern

Many thanks to Philip McGrath for reporting this rare NI bird. Philip says:  'I came across this bittern on 28th January 2011 on Lough Beg Co Londonderry. I am a member of South Derry Wildfowling Club and this bird was found on our club ground at the Toomebridge end. I knew straight away this was a rare bird but it had been there a while so wasn't easy identified'. It is presumed that the bird sadly died during the extremely cold weather in December \ January. Contrary to press reports at the end of last year, Bittern has not 'returned to Ireland'. Whilst very rare, they are reported occasionally.

Bittern - Philip McGrath