Eurasian Bittern (Botaurus stellaris)
The Eurasian bittern is a relatively large, stocky bird that stands about 60cm high and weighs over a kilogram. This is in marked contrast to the other two bittern species which are substantially smaller and slimmer birds. The plumage of the Eurasian bittern is a rich golden brown strongly marked with black streaking, speckling and barring. The crown and malar stripe are black or dark brown, as is the dark throat stripe that runs down a pale cream throat. This species breeds in Europe, Asia and Africa. The estimated population in South Africa is between 100 – 150 pairs. Very little is known of this species in South Africa, and it is suggested that most individuals are sedentary, with sporadic nomadism related to rainfall patterns. The species is considered resident, but is very secretive and the only sites where it is recorded regularly are Nylsvley Nature Reserve and more recently, Ntsikeni Vlei Nature Reserve, which is arguably the best site to find this elusive species. The best time to look for bitterns is summer (Sept – Mar) when the birds are calling and thus relatively easy to locate. The other option is to be at the vlei before sunrise in the hope of seeing a bird flying to its feeding site for the day. The Eurasian bittern has been listed as Critically Endangered.
Directions
Ntsikeni Vlei Nature Reserve is located off the Crieghton - Franklin road and is well sign-posted. Turn onto a gravel road and drive for 9 km's until you reach the reserve entrance gate (30°11'40.14"S, 29°30'05.22"E), where an entry fee of R25 pp is payable. Follow the road for a further 12.8 km's to the parking area at the Ntsikeni Lodge (30°08'30.18"S, 29°28'43.62"E). From the parking area it is a 3km walk to the vlei, and the best position is on the eastern side which is slightly elevated giving a view over the vlei.
| GPS Coordinates | ||
| Description | Latitude | Longitude |
| Entrance gate | 30°11'40.14"S | 29°30'05.22"E |
| Parking lot | 30°08'30.18"S | 29°28'43.62"E |