Crane chicks born as bird returns to Willow Tree Fen nature Reserve between Bourne and Spalding

Cranes are once again back in the area… and thriving.

One reader captured the beautiful bird at Willow Tree Fen Nature Reserve this week, where two baby chicks have recently been born.

The return of cranes to the reserve – situated between Baston and Spalding – has been a well received success story.

“In 2020, with the extra solitude created by the lockdown, cranes returned to the Lincolnshire Fens and successfully raised a chick,” said rachel Shaw of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust.

“This is now the fourth consecutive year crane chicks have hatched at Willow Tree Fen.

“It's a great example of how, with the right management of a reserve, wildlife can not only return but thrive.

“There are also two other pairs of cranes on the reserve and we’re waiting to see whether they will nest and fledge young.”

Figures released in February revealed 2022 was another successful year for cranes, with 71 pairs across the UK and the population estimated at more than 200 birds.

This is the second highest number since cranes returned in 1979 after becoming extinct in the 1500s, due to hunting and the loss of their favoured wetlands.

This photograph was kindly sent in by Anthony Helcoop, who got his dream image from the new viewing area car park after three years of trying on Thursday (April 20).

“Having spent the last three years hoping to get a shot and never even seeing one I finally did it,” he explained.

“The wildlife in and around Spalding is brilliant and most people come and go and never notice what's on their own doorstep.”

Willow Tree Fen is also home to a wide range of other wildlife including marsh harriers, bittern, oystercatcher, barn owl and brown hare.