The distinctive boom of a bittern has had bird watchers flocking to Oare Marshes.

The rare member of the heron family was first spotted on January 10 and has been seen on several occasions since.

Kevin Duval, the Kent Wildlife Trust’s Swale area reserve warden, said: “I was privileged to see this stunning bird when it flew from the salt marsh to the reed beds.

“When you see such rarities as the bittern it makes the trust’s habitat management work all the more worthwhile.”

The bittern favours reed beds to feed on fish, especially eels.

It is noted for its boom – a foghorn-like song – and very often the only way to know of its presence.

Winter is the best time of year to see a bittern in Kent when they seek food in areas that are less prone to long periods of frost.

Oare Marshes is classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and of international importance for migratory, over-wintering and breeding wetland birds.