Footage of rare bird in Jersey attracts global attention

Video footage of a rare bird in Jersey has gone viral around the world after it was captured by a local wildlife photographer.

John Ovenden, National Trust Jersey's clerk of Works, used a trail camera to record moving images of one of only two bitterns spotted at the St Ouen's pond Wetland Centre every year.

The video continues to be shared around as far and wide as other parts of Europe, the Middle East and North America, earning nearly 10,000 likes on Facebook along the way.

Bitterns are Britain's loudest bird, famous for the far-carrying booming sound males make when looking to attract a mate.

They are also one of Britain's rarest bird species having been driven close to extinction in the 1870s when large numbers of wetland habitats were drained for agriculture.

However, Bitterns are making a steady return, with their numbers increasing by 24% across Britain since 2019, according to the RSPB.

Despite their comeback, Bitterns are difficult to spot, having excellent camouflage to blend in with their reedbed habitats.

National Trust Jersey says it hopes growing numbers of bitterns in the UK is a good omen for the birds in Jersey moving forward.

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