Thursday, 8 February 2024

Common Cranes bred in higher numbers in the UK last summer than for centuries

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.



























Photo: Common Cranes at WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire


























Photo: Common Crane at WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire


























Photo: Common Crane at Biebrza marshes, north east Poland

























Photo: Common Crane near Sutlepa meri, Silma Nature Reserve, Estonia


























Photo: Common Cranes at Laguna de Gallocanta, Aragon, Spain

























Photo: Common Cranes at Laguna de Gallocanta, Aragon, Spain


























Photo: Common Cranes at Laguna de Gallocanta, Aragon, Spain


























Photo: Common Cranes at Laguna de Gallocanta, Aragon, Spain

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