24K views · 453 reactions | Boom - a rare sighting of the American bittern in the UK. | BBC Norfolk | Facebook

American bittern singing (Botaurus lentiginosus) | BIRDS & Nature

7.3K views · 360 reactions | American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) | BIRDS & Nature | Facebook

Has anyone else heard any booming sounds coming from their local marsh? Our bird project learder Doug Morin tells us more: "This is a male American Bittern, performing it’s vocalization – sometimes called “booming.” Bitterns are a highly camouflaged and secretive species that inhabit dense shallow marshes. The strong, low-pitched “booming” call is important because it carries a long distance, allowing competing males and interested females to know where the displaying bird is, despite their habi