The endangered Australasian bittern likes to keep a low profile and experts think there may be fewer than 1,000 left in Australia, but it's now been spotted with chicks in unique wetlands still recovering from damming in the 1960s. | ABC Hobart

A male bittern nicknamed “Bushy” has become the first of his species in WA to be fitted with a solar-powered transmitter, meaning he’s now providing valuable information about his movements and wetland use to DBCA scientists and BirdLife Australia. Australasian Bitterns, which are endangered in WA, are rare and extremely difficult to observe so their habits and movements within and between wetlands are very poorly known. Information on Bushy’s movement will give researchers a previously impossib

Opposition leader Sussan Ley is championing the Australian bittern. Which bird do you want to see win this year’s bird of the year? Give us your best bird call and tag @‌GuardianAustralia and @‌birdlifeoz Voting in the 2025 Australian bird of the year poll opens 6 October: theguardian.com/birdoftheyear | Guardian Australia

Don’t let the elusive, weird and wacky Australasian Bittern get voted out in round one of Bird of the Year! 🐦 This Endangered bird is fascinating – almost mythical – with a unique booming call! 🌾 Did you know? When alarmed, these birds freeze with their necks stretched high and bills pointing to the sky. Sometimes they even sway in the breeze, blending perfectly with the reeds around them. Team Bittern? Shen some loce: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/ng-interactive/2025/oct/06/australi