Bitterns are booming at Willow Tree Fen Nature Reserve, which is between Spalding and Baston

Things have been booming in the reed beds of a south Lincolnshire nature reserve.

Wildlife cameras at Willow Tree Fen, which is found between Spalding and Baston, have recorded bitterns making their famous calls to attract a mate.

Bitterns, which are 'thick set herons' and well-known for being quite secretive, was once a common species in England but had been pushed to the brink of extinction following a loss of reed habitat.

There were just 11 birds in the UK in 1997 and it was classed as a priority species.

Luckily the reedbeds at Willow Tree Fen are an ideal habitat for bitterns.

A Facebook posts states: "It’s been booming this week down at Willow Tree Fen quite literally as bitterns have been heard making their infamous booming calls.

"It can carry for up to two miles and is said to sound similar to blowing over the top of an empty glass milk bottle. 🔊

"There’s also been a sighting of a snipe in flight, performing it’s unique 'drumming' sound.

"This sound is not like a bitterns call, it is made as their tail feathers vibrate in the wind whilst performing an impressive aerial courtship display