The local branch of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds welcomes everyone from beginners to advanced watchers
Elusive bittern shows itself at North Cave Wetlands(Image: John Hallam)
In the depths of December, a group of excited people paid no heed to the cold as they waited for a secretive visitor to make an appearance. They were members of the Hull and district branch of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), who were tucked into the Turret Hide at North Cave Wetlands.
“No one was leaving early in fear of missing a sighting of an iconic bird,” said member Colin Allan. “Nine of us waited expectantly for a glimpse of a usually skulking and elusive bird, the bittern.
“We had glimpses of a highly-camouflaged form as it lurked within the reed-bed. Then, at last, it appeared in full view.
“It looked like a large brown heron at first sight but its brown and black streaked back and neck were quite distinctive. It was also displaying its long green legs and ungainly looking feet as it patrolled the edge of the reeds.
“The bird was so close, only about ten yards away from the hide. Everyone also had wonderful views of the black face markings before it eventually slouched back into the reeds.”
Colin said: “The bittern sighting was one of numerous great days over the years I have enjoyed in the company of the Hull RSPB bird watching group. If you took part in the recent RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch – or even if you didn’t – you too can enjoy such moments.
“Of course, we don’t always see such marvellous birds as the bittern but the good company of friendly like-minded people more than compensates on less-productive outings.” Hull RSPB organises monthly meetings to local bird reserves throughout the year.
As well as North Cave Wetlands, members visit such places as Blacktoft Sands RSPB Reserve; Tophill Low Reserve, near Driffield; Far Ings Reserve, just over the Humber Bridge and “that great outpost of bird migration, Spurn”. Colin said: “We also usually include an annual pilgrimage to witness the seabird spectacular at Bempton Cliffs.
“In addition, we have an annual group holiday over five days in May. North Norfolk and Suffolk are our favourite destinations as they both have wonderful bird reserves.
“We also organise a short break in November – in 2025 we had cracking, close-up views of a green woodpecker on the first day. It stayed around long enough for people to focus their telescopes on it to appreciate its finer features.
“On the next day we enjoyed equally good views of quite a rare bird, the water pipit. To the uninitiated it may look rather drab and undistinguished but its rarity value made up for its modest appearance.”
Indoor illustrated talks are also provided for group members on a range of topics, the programme running on the second Tuesday of the month, September to April. These range from descriptions of local reserves to speakers’ trips to far-flung bird destinations and the talks are held at Men In Sheds, First Lane, Anlaby (What3Words – tall.carry.payer).
Colin said: “Everyone with an interest in birds is welcome. You don’t have to be an expert, neither do you need a telescope, binoculars are quite adequate.
“Our group ranges from beginners to advanced birdwatchers. The main thing is that you are guaranteed a warm welcome.”
Colin added: “Returning to the iconic bittern, we were lucky enough to see three such birds in flight at the RSPB’s flagship reserve of Minsmere during our May annual group holiday. We saw lots of other species over the week but those bitterns will linger long in our memories.”
For more information, visit the website or search for Hull RSPB group.