The Eurasian Bittern arrives in the wetlands of Gautegiz Arteaga
| Thursday, 07 November 2013 14:09 |
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Last week it was seen an Eurasian Bittern in the wetlands of Gautegiz Arteaga and another specimen about 10 days ago in the wetland of Barrutibaso (Kortezubi). The Bittern is a rare species in the Biosphere Reserve of Urdaibai. Although every year one or two specimens winter in the wetlands of Gautegiz Arteaga, it is a species that it is very difficult to see and it is often elusive. We begin to detect it from the first half of November, being a bird that is located in a very specific place in the wetland, which unlike to other wetlands where it can winter, makes it more visible if you have patience.
Typical pose when it is alert in the marsh.
The Bittern is considered a partially migratory bird, as its migration is conditional more by the intense cold in the north, than by a strict migratory calendar (Cramp BWP), remaining in very cold areas in the North Sea even when there are cold spells. In the Peninsula it is a very scarce nesting bird, there are around 40-50 pairs. In Urdaibai it behaves as habitual over-wintering species since the wetlands of Gautegiz Arteaga were restored, being seen from November to March, being the most habitual sights in the colder months of winter.
A Bittern seen in front of the Orueta's observatory.
One of the most interesting feature of this species is its exceptional plumage, as it merges its colour and texture with dead reeds, coinciding its arrival with the change of colour of this vegetation in late October and early November. It is exactly in this thick marsh vegetation where this ardeida feels more secure, remaining often still at the risk of any threat, feeling secure of its plumage mimicry.
The Bittern is one of the most mimetic bird in wetlands. |
