Bitterns bounce back

There is good news for bird lovers – bitterns have bred in the West Midlands for the first time in over a century. Two new nests were found tucked among the reed beds of RSPB Middleton Lakes, where five young chicks were successfully raised. The elusive birds are masters of camouflage, and you’re more likely to hear than see them. Males have a booming mating call that can carry up to 5km, making them Britain’s loudest birds. To learn more about birds and how to support them, visit rspb.org.uk