Restoration work in the Orueta marsh brings spectacular results

The Orueta wetland was the site of extensive maintenance and restoration work in 2023/24. Over a long period of time the Urdaibai Bird Center carried out a diverse range of conservation work which aimed to ensure the optimum quality of the marsh habitat, increase biodiversity and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The actions were taken within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, financed by the European Union through the Next Generation EU funds.

On the 2nd of February 2025 Urdaibai Bird Center held its annual event to celebrate World Wetlands Day. This event raises awareness about the vulnerability of wetland habitats and highlights the importance of their conservation. Alterations in wetland ecosystems, such as intensive agriculture or urbanization and climate change are among the threats that these habitats face.

It was most fitting, therefore, that at the celebrations of World Wetlands Day the most elusive of wetland birds, the great bittern, emerged from amongst the reeds. 

The bittern is considered an endangered species as its population has declined significantly in some areas due to loss of natural hábitats. It was previously a regular, albeit elusive, winter visitor to Orueta. However, its presence had not been registered for a some years. Its return to the Orueta Wetland is undoubtedly due to the restoration work that has been done there. In fact after the first sighting of the bird on February the 2nd, it has been confirmed that there are actually 2 bitterns in this área. The habitat is now much more to the liking of this species.

The bittern requires wetlands with mostly stands of common reed and areas of open water. In Orueta the vegetation has been managed and the open areas of water increased.

before restoration work

after restoration work.

Here the bittern is able to creep among the vegetation and remain unseen. It is a master of camouflage. Its stunning plumage ranges from light cream and beige tones, to dark brown and black allowing it to blend in perfectly with the stems of the reeds.

In this watery habitat the almost invisible bittern hunts for its unsuspecting prey. It eats a wide variety of animals, mainly fish but also amphibians, mammals, crayfish or aquatic invertebrates.

At the same time these photos were taken a heron was seen capturing a large fish - a sign that there is there is an abundant food supply for the birds in Orueta.

With the sightings of the bittern this week we can confirm that conservation work in the Gautegiz Arteaga marshes is making a difference to species in decline. Restoring, maintaining and protecting hábitats is essential.