Amongst the “doom and gloom” surrounding the collapse of so many of the UK’s breeding bird species, the success of the Common Crane is at least one bright note.
At least 80 breeding pairs of Common Crane were recorded in 2023, the highest breeding number since they began breeding again in the UK in 1979 having disappeared in the 16th century.
The 80 breeding pairs in 2023 is an increase from the previous high of 72 breeding pairs in 2021 and those birds successfully fledged at least 36 chicks.
The
Common Crane first returned from Scandinavia to breed in
east Norfolk in 1979. The population was kept secret for many years and
very slowly spread. More recently it has been boosted by a reintroduction
project where hand-reared birds were released on expanded and restored wetlands
in the Somerset Levels …. see RSPB - The Great Crane Project and WWT - Reintroducing Common Cranes
The UK has
drained, developed and destroyed more than 75% of its wetlands but
the recent restoration of some wetlands has helped the Common Crane recolonise
Wales, Scotland and nature reserves across England.
Damon
Bridge, chair of the UK Crane Working Group, said: “The
continued success of these amazing birds is showing us that conservation action
works. We need to build on this foundation by safeguarding protected sites and
creating larger, better-connected wetland areas across the UK to fully reap the
benefits this vital habitat can provide for nature and people.”
Apart from at a number of locations in their breeding range in northern and eastern Europe and on their wintering grounds in Spain, I have seen Common Cranes regularly at NWT Hickling Broad and Marshes in north east Norfolk where birds come in to roost and can easily be seen from the Stubb Mill viewpoint. I have also seen them at WWT Slimbridge in Gloucestershire, the focus of the reintroduction project to the Somerset Levels.
Common Cranes are wonderful birds to see and indeed hear with their distinctive bugling calls.
#DefendNature
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