© 2005 Hans J. Geuze....Science Art-Birds

Title: European Bittern in Defense
Species: European Bittern (Botaurus stellaris)
Artist: Hans J. Geuze (for further information, click on the artist's name)
Image size: 40 x 25 cm
Media: watercolor
Date: 2005

The artist notes: This watercolor portrait depicts a Bittern that was brought to me in a very weak condition. I fed the bird with small fishes and laboratory mice and returned the healthy bird to the swamp where it came from."

Widespread rescue efforts for this species also experience some successes. In the UK, for example, where the population has been declining since the 1950 with the loss of nesting habitat, eight conservation groups and three county wildlife trusts, in association with with the EU's Life-Nature Program, are expanding the bird's range by creating and restoring critical reedbed habitat.