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Rare bittern heard for first time on Isle of Wight
Bitterns are notoriously difficult to survey on wetlands because they spend much of their time in the dense reed.
Foghorn-like mating call suggests the bird is looking for a mate

Conservationists on the Isle of Wight have heard the distinct mating cry of the UK’s rarest birds, the bittern, for the first time.

Staff at RSPB Brading Marshes described hearing the call as “like receiving a Michelin star as a restaurant”.

“It’s one of the highest marks of success we could hope for,” explained RSPB warden Keith Ballard. “Bitterns have very selective habitat needs, and to attract them you need a truly thriving ecosystem.”

Bitterns are notoriously difficult to survey on wetlands because they spend much of their time in the dense reed. To measure their numbers, scientists listen out for the male’s foghorn-like call, which indicates that it is looking for a mate.

In 1997, bittern numbers in the UK fell to just 11 males. Conservation efforts have aided their recovery, but today there are still no more than 200 bitterns at less than 75 conservation sites.

Conservationists are particularly excited about this recent discovery because the presence of bitterns is considered one of the best measures of successful wetland management.

The RSPB Brading Marshes reserve has already seen three new wetland species successfully breed on the island - the little egret, marsh harrier and great crested globe. Staff hope the bittern’s mating call will attract a female and that they too will successfully breed.

“The work we have done to manage the reserve for insects, fish, reptiles and mammals, as well as birds, now means we have one of the most UK’s most sensitive species choosing the Isle of Wight as its home,” Mr Ballard added. 

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.