Can you hear the boom? 🔊 That’s the mating call of the mysterious matuku/bittern, a large wetland bird more often heard than seen. Our staff, along with Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Fish & Game New Zealand and over 80 volunteers, put on our detective hats to record population estimates of the endangered bittern. This is an essential count to help us evaluate trends, prioritise habitat restoration and determine how to adapt to management. Learn more about the matuku/bittern here: https://bit.

Here's a bit of baby bittern fun to take us in to the holiday weekend! Watch as these little American Bitterns are joined by the most recent hatchling. Video by Cheryl Reynolds | International Bird Rescue