Bitterns, a secretive bird previously threatened with extinction as a breeding species in the UK, have had yet another brilliant breeding season with 234 booming males counted in 2023, according to new survey results from the RSPB and Natural England.<br /><br />The newly released annual bittern monitoring project figures are up 24% on the number of booming bitterns recorded just 5 years ago, marking the significant conservation progress that has been made in the species’ recovery.<br /><br />Experts say if you'd like to hear the species' iconic boom for yourself, now's the time - as males try to attract females on RSPB reserves this spring.<br /><br />Video: Steve Everett/RSPB
