Little Bittern, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire

It's been a few years since I saw my first and only Little Bittern, at Titchwell in north Norfolk, so with one found just 40 minutes away in Hertfordshire, it would have been rude and silly not to go see it. Shaun had never seen one so a life tick was waiting as we headed off after breakfast this morning.

The bird showed well for 15 minutes when we arrived on the far bank of the River Colne, providing good views for the 50+ birders crammed onto the path running along side the river.
    

After 15 minutes or so it crept into cover and stayed partly hidden for the next 30 minutes before we decided to call it a day and head home. It was great to see this very smart bird, in London, a short journey from home.