Les Cater
@lesjwc.bsky.social
My passion for wildlife and photography has come together in a professional form after many years of using cameras and field craft skills. RSPB volunteer, and photo contributer. Web site mywildlifeimages.com
Hi all, If you have time, please take a look at my article that the East Anglia Bylines have kindly published. My thanks to them for making this possible, and wonderfully presented by East Anglia Bylines.
The booming Bittern is an elusive bird.
Leslie Cater's passion for birdwatching the UK's loudest bird was rewarded by a rarely seen courtship dance.
Read on to also share this moment...
Leslie Cater's passion for birdwatching the UK's loudest bird was rewarded by a rarely seen courtship dance.
Read on to also share this moment...
Hidden wonders: my fascinating encounters with the Bittern
Elusive and majestic, the Bittern’s booming call echoes across Minsmere’s reeds – a symbol of hope and conservation success
eastangliabylines.co.uk
November 11, 2025 at 8:31 AM
Hi all, If you have time, please take a look at my article that the East Anglia Bylines have kindly published. My thanks to them for making this possible, and wonderfully presented by East Anglia Bylines.
3 Days turned into 5 with the Crossbills, as I was asked by friends and visitors to help them find, see, and photograph them. For some it was the first time they had ever seen one. Sharing the experience with others was a pleasure, and I have made more new friends in doing so😊😉
November 8, 2025 at 2:25 PM
3 Days turned into 5 with the Crossbills, as I was asked by friends and visitors to help them find, see, and photograph them. For some it was the first time they had ever seen one. Sharing the experience with others was a pleasure, and I have made more new friends in doing so😊😉
This is the result of 3 days and many hours waiting to get this and a few more images exactly as I planned it. This particular photo really does show the beauty of these unusual birds called Crossbills, and to get three males in this pose was exactly what I hoped to achieve. 😊
November 5, 2025 at 11:12 PM
This is the result of 3 days and many hours waiting to get this and a few more images exactly as I planned it. This particular photo really does show the beauty of these unusual birds called Crossbills, and to get three males in this pose was exactly what I hoped to achieve. 😊
I have been going through my Bittern files, and there are many, to many, but I have found some lovely images I had yet to process from several years ago. This is Island mere hide back in those days, from under the hide. Some great setting sun moments, some lovely Bitterns @rspbminsmere.bsky.social
October 25, 2025 at 9:28 PM
I have been going through my Bittern files, and there are many, to many, but I have found some lovely images I had yet to process from several years ago. This is Island mere hide back in those days, from under the hide. Some great setting sun moments, some lovely Bitterns @rspbminsmere.bsky.social
After two weeks waiting for this Bittern to leave its little clump of reeds where it would be all day feeding, this morning the Bittern flew just up the channel nearby. It emerged for a change, made it's way along the edge of the mere in the open and not hide in the reeds. @rspbminsmere.bsky.social
October 24, 2025 at 8:52 PM
After two weeks waiting for this Bittern to leave its little clump of reeds where it would be all day feeding, this morning the Bittern flew just up the channel nearby. It emerged for a change, made it's way along the edge of the mere in the open and not hide in the reeds. @rspbminsmere.bsky.social
Yesterday morning @RSPBMinsmere
it was busy at Island mere hide with members of the heron family feeding well. The Bittern, Great White Egret, and the Grey Heron were putting on a show who could catch the biggest fish, in this case Rudd and Roach. I think the Bittern edged it😉👍
it was busy at Island mere hide with members of the heron family feeding well. The Bittern, Great White Egret, and the Grey Heron were putting on a show who could catch the biggest fish, in this case Rudd and Roach. I think the Bittern edged it😉👍
October 20, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Yesterday morning @RSPBMinsmere
it was busy at Island mere hide with members of the heron family feeding well. The Bittern, Great White Egret, and the Grey Heron were putting on a show who could catch the biggest fish, in this case Rudd and Roach. I think the Bittern edged it😉👍
it was busy at Island mere hide with members of the heron family feeding well. The Bittern, Great White Egret, and the Grey Heron were putting on a show who could catch the biggest fish, in this case Rudd and Roach. I think the Bittern edged it😉👍
This is what happens when a Bittern takes up residence in an area of reed beds in front of Island mere hide on the left the last 10 days. A GW Egret kept bothering the bittern by going into those reeds on the edge of the mere to fish. Excellent territorial behaviour response 😊👍@rspbminsmere
October 19, 2025 at 7:38 PM
This is what happens when a Bittern takes up residence in an area of reed beds in front of Island mere hide on the left the last 10 days. A GW Egret kept bothering the bittern by going into those reeds on the edge of the mere to fish. Excellent territorial behaviour response 😊👍@rspbminsmere
Bearded tit female quietly moving through the reeds when I was under Island mere hide @RSPBMinsmere
while I was watching the Bitterns. It was lovely to see her, as we all go for the males, but I think the females are as beautiful in their own right. What do you think 🤔 😉😊
while I was watching the Bitterns. It was lovely to see her, as we all go for the males, but I think the females are as beautiful in their own right. What do you think 🤔 😉😊
October 17, 2025 at 8:39 PM
Bearded tit female quietly moving through the reeds when I was under Island mere hide @RSPBMinsmere
while I was watching the Bitterns. It was lovely to see her, as we all go for the males, but I think the females are as beautiful in their own right. What do you think 🤔 😉😊
while I was watching the Bitterns. It was lovely to see her, as we all go for the males, but I think the females are as beautiful in their own right. What do you think 🤔 😉😊
One of the under estimated larger birds of the marshes, the Great White Egret. This image was captured this week on a grey cloudy day with a moment of sunlight breaking throug, gave this image a slightly back-lit affect. Personally, I like days like this as it makes you creative.
October 17, 2025 at 7:15 PM
One of the under estimated larger birds of the marshes, the Great White Egret. This image was captured this week on a grey cloudy day with a moment of sunlight breaking throug, gave this image a slightly back-lit affect. Personally, I like days like this as it makes you creative.
While waiting for the Bittern to show today, we had a visit from the wonderful male Kingfisher at island mere @RSPBMinsmere
I decided not to crop it to much, otherwise you loose the surroundings in which he visits at least several times a day.
I decided not to crop it to much, otherwise you loose the surroundings in which he visits at least several times a day.
October 16, 2025 at 10:09 PM
While waiting for the Bittern to show today, we had a visit from the wonderful male Kingfisher at island mere @RSPBMinsmere
I decided not to crop it to much, otherwise you loose the surroundings in which he visits at least several times a day.
I decided not to crop it to much, otherwise you loose the surroundings in which he visits at least several times a day.
This Bittern has occupied a part of the reed bed left of Island mere hide @RSPBMinsmere
Over two days in about 5/6 meters X 2 meters strip of reed bed, has repelled all that came close to it. A GW Egret tried to invade the patch, this was the response. He/she will not budge 😂
Over two days in about 5/6 meters X 2 meters strip of reed bed, has repelled all that came close to it. A GW Egret tried to invade the patch, this was the response. He/she will not budge 😂
October 16, 2025 at 9:42 PM
This Bittern has occupied a part of the reed bed left of Island mere hide @RSPBMinsmere
Over two days in about 5/6 meters X 2 meters strip of reed bed, has repelled all that came close to it. A GW Egret tried to invade the patch, this was the response. He/she will not budge 😂
Over two days in about 5/6 meters X 2 meters strip of reed bed, has repelled all that came close to it. A GW Egret tried to invade the patch, this was the response. He/she will not budge 😂
Excellent start to the Autumn Bittern season here @RSPBMinsmere
Today over an six hour session, we had seventeen bittern flights, with two of the bitterns being very big, likely to be males. The weather was not great, but just for a moment the misty clouds filtered some sunlight.
Today over an six hour session, we had seventeen bittern flights, with two of the bitterns being very big, likely to be males. The weather was not great, but just for a moment the misty clouds filtered some sunlight.
October 15, 2025 at 8:56 PM
Excellent start to the Autumn Bittern season here @RSPBMinsmere
Today over an six hour session, we had seventeen bittern flights, with two of the bitterns being very big, likely to be males. The weather was not great, but just for a moment the misty clouds filtered some sunlight.
Today over an six hour session, we had seventeen bittern flights, with two of the bitterns being very big, likely to be males. The weather was not great, but just for a moment the misty clouds filtered some sunlight.
I have posted this photo of the Turkestan Shrike we had for eight days at Dunwich heath, only to show how you can get the best out of a poor light day. This was taken when it was cloudy right at the end of the day the light goes flat and this enables you to get a better expossure with natural light.
October 13, 2025 at 4:56 PM
I have posted this photo of the Turkestan Shrike we had for eight days at Dunwich heath, only to show how you can get the best out of a poor light day. This was taken when it was cloudy right at the end of the day the light goes flat and this enables you to get a better expossure with natural light.
It seems the Turkestan Shrike might have finally gone, no more reports today. I think all of us hope he gets home or as close as he can safely. I really have enjoyed watching a Shrike doing what they do when catching prey. He gained a great deal of repect and affection from me 😊
October 11, 2025 at 3:54 PM
It seems the Turkestan Shrike might have finally gone, no more reports today. I think all of us hope he gets home or as close as he can safely. I really have enjoyed watching a Shrike doing what they do when catching prey. He gained a great deal of repect and affection from me 😊
One of those moments when you get the chance to do something different, today was that day. Turkestan Shrike Dunwich.😊😉
October 9, 2025 at 10:25 PM
One of those moments when you get the chance to do something different, today was that day. Turkestan Shrike Dunwich.😊😉
Saved some of my best images from three days at Dunwich Heath to last, although there are more, I will not put anymore up for a while after these. I cant think I have had better days with such a wonderful bird like this rare Turkestan's Shrike. This is one stunning bird to see and photograph😊
October 7, 2025 at 10:29 PM
Saved some of my best images from three days at Dunwich Heath to last, although there are more, I will not put anymore up for a while after these. I cant think I have had better days with such a wonderful bird like this rare Turkestan's Shrike. This is one stunning bird to see and photograph😊
Later in the day after nearly everyone had gone, the Turkestan Shrike flew off from where it had been all day. I got to a small gorse bush out of sight not far where it had been hoping it would return, it did and I had it for at least an half an hour quietly on my own. Magic 😊
October 5, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Later in the day after nearly everyone had gone, the Turkestan Shrike flew off from where it had been all day. I got to a small gorse bush out of sight not far where it had been hoping it would return, it did and I had it for at least an half an hour quietly on my own. Magic 😊
With a very early start I got to see my very first Turkestan Shrike today on Dunwich heath. A stunner and not one to get to close to, so just enjoyed the fact I saw it. I decided not to crop this image much, as it as good as it gets under the conditions we had today. Just Enjoy
October 4, 2025 at 9:00 PM
With a very early start I got to see my very first Turkestan Shrike today on Dunwich heath. A stunner and not one to get to close to, so just enjoyed the fact I saw it. I decided not to crop this image much, as it as good as it gets under the conditions we had today. Just Enjoy
Crested Tits from last years crested tit workshop with @PeteWalkden1973
Going back this year to see these wonderful birds for the third time. Beautiful ancient woodlands with these magical birds is something not to be missed. Got to be one of my favourite birds to see every year.
Going back this year to see these wonderful birds for the third time. Beautiful ancient woodlands with these magical birds is something not to be missed. Got to be one of my favourite birds to see every year.
October 3, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Crested Tits from last years crested tit workshop with @PeteWalkden1973
Going back this year to see these wonderful birds for the third time. Beautiful ancient woodlands with these magical birds is something not to be missed. Got to be one of my favourite birds to see every year.
Going back this year to see these wonderful birds for the third time. Beautiful ancient woodlands with these magical birds is something not to be missed. Got to be one of my favourite birds to see every year.
This has to be one of my favourites from this years Bittern watch/observations. From under the hide at Island mere @RSPBMinsmere
early spring, shows the beautiful blue lores on a male Bittern ready for the breeding season, albeit he was a young bird he is an excellent example😊👍
early spring, shows the beautiful blue lores on a male Bittern ready for the breeding season, albeit he was a young bird he is an excellent example😊👍
October 3, 2025 at 2:04 PM
This has to be one of my favourites from this years Bittern watch/observations. From under the hide at Island mere @RSPBMinsmere
early spring, shows the beautiful blue lores on a male Bittern ready for the breeding season, albeit he was a young bird he is an excellent example😊👍
early spring, shows the beautiful blue lores on a male Bittern ready for the breeding season, albeit he was a young bird he is an excellent example😊👍
Red Footed Falcons hunting over Carlton Marshes Suffolk, a few weeks ago. Stunning species and these views are my very first of one.
May 18, 2025 at 9:38 PM
Red Footed Falcons hunting over Carlton Marshes Suffolk, a few weeks ago. Stunning species and these views are my very first of one.
At the end of every year, I take the oppertunity to go over to the Heath and from around December to February I observe and photograph the Dartford Warblers. As this is pre season to the year ahead breeding time, this alows me to see and photograph them safely before they seek out females to mate.
March 30, 2025 at 8:28 PM
At the end of every year, I take the oppertunity to go over to the Heath and from around December to February I observe and photograph the Dartford Warblers. As this is pre season to the year ahead breeding time, this alows me to see and photograph them safely before they seek out females to mate.
I am now back to my Bittern studies of bittern behaviour during the spring mating period and right throug the summer. The time commitment is high and here are some images from a week under a hide watching these male bitterns emerge from the reed beds to feed, and one male was booming in front on me.
March 30, 2025 at 8:13 PM
I am now back to my Bittern studies of bittern behaviour during the spring mating period and right throug the summer. The time commitment is high and here are some images from a week under a hide watching these male bitterns emerge from the reed beds to feed, and one male was booming in front on me.
Bearded tits at RSPB Minsmere captured in the sunlight on a frosty cold day. Using the the freedom of the light, the back ground, and by standing to one side as the bird climbs the reed stem it then bends away from the reed bed. This isolates the single reed stem over the chosen back ground nicely.
January 14, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Bearded tits at RSPB Minsmere captured in the sunlight on a frosty cold day. Using the the freedom of the light, the back ground, and by standing to one side as the bird climbs the reed stem it then bends away from the reed bed. This isolates the single reed stem over the chosen back ground nicely.
Love this time of year, it's when you get the best views of Bullfinches in their beautiful plumage. This male Buffinch I have now seen twice at RSPB Minsmere over this last week feeding on the dried out Blackberry fruits from last years summer.
January 12, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Love this time of year, it's when you get the best views of Bullfinches in their beautiful plumage. This male Buffinch I have now seen twice at RSPB Minsmere over this last week feeding on the dried out Blackberry fruits from last years summer.