Picture plea to birdwatch enthusiasts across region

BIRDWATCHERS and photography enthusiasts are being asked to capture images of a rare birds.

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Twichers are celebrating sightings of rare birds across the North East - raising hopes that the bittern, which is classified as amber on the UK Birds of Conservation Concern list.

The rare bird was spotted on at Druridge Bay in September last year and they have also been seen on East Chevington, Hauxley, Cresswell and Druridge Pools reserves.

Bitterns are a secretive member of the heron family which can prove very difficult to see as they move silently through dense reed beds.

They are known as Britain's loudest birds for their boom though that is more commonly heard during the spring months.