IF YOU think it looks weird, you should hear the noise it makes.

This is the beautiful bittern, one of Britain's rarest birds.

Once completely extinct in the UK, there are now thought to be about 80 breeding pairs in the whole country.

The photograph was taken by Oxford Mail Camera Club member Ian Jones 'at a local lake', and is a pretty rare gem in itself.

Firstly, in the week when our challenge theme was 'Far, Far Away', it's a beautiful use of a telephoto lens.

Secondly, he's caught the bird in the middle of apparently walking on water (or possibly ice, but we prefer the mystery).

For an accomplished snapper who clearly hasn't bittern off more than he can chew, this is a well-deserved photo of the week.