As some of you know, we are very fortunate to have an increasing population of cranes nesting in the Fens. Although, for reasons that will become apparent if you read on, it has taken a long time to get to this point, here is a summary of how they have done on our reserves in the Fens this year:
I will start at RSPB Nene Washes, which is close to Whittlesey in Cambridgeshire: This year, four pairs attempted to nest – the highest number of pairs that have ever tried to raise a family on this site. Two of these pairs raised families successfully, each fledging two chicks.
It gets better. Lots of adult birds are now also gathering at the site. They are forming a post-breeding roost. At the moment there are about 27 adult birds gathering. This is quite a spectacle, so if you would like to go and see them, you can find out more about the reserve here.
Meanwhile, here at RSPB Lakenheath Fen, one pair nested on the reserve. Everything seemed to be going well until the reserve team started seeing the chicks. It became apparent that one of the chicks was considerably larger than the other one which was a concern.
As the weeks went on, the family were occasionally seem by the reserve team and by members of the public passing the reserve on the train (which ironically, is often the best way to see them here at certain times of the year).
In early July, the larger chick took its first flight and was seen flying around with its parents. Although this was great news, we became concerned about the fate of the smaller chick, as while the three were flying around, it was obviously on its own somewhere on the reserve. However, nobody saw the smaller chick for quite some time so we started fearing the worst.
When August came round, we were very intrigued to see what was going to happen. Traditionally, our cranes tend to leave the reserve in August and go and join the other cranes in the Fens at places like RSPB Nene Washes. However, the family of three stuck around and by the time mid-August came around, we were starting to wonder why they were still here!
On Sunday, regular reserve visitor John Walsh saw a family of four cranes from the train, which was intriguing. Things then got really interesting on Tuesday 21 August, when Emma, Katherine and Cat saw four cranes flying around over the far end of the reserve. Against all the odds, was the smaller chick still alive after all?! Well, I am pleased to say that it has survived…
Ex-Site Manager Norman and his wife Linda saw the family of four flying yesterday morning and yesterday afternoon, Dave, Emma and Katherine saw the family all together at the far end of the reserve:
Image credit: Dave Rogers
As you can see from Dave’s photograph, there is a clear size difference between the two chicks the smaller one is the second from the right, between the two adults. Although several names have been suggested for the smaller chick, Minimo, Miracle or Runty seem to be the most popular!
So there you have it! If you would like to find out more about the cranes in the Fens, please ring 01842 863400 or e-mail: lakenheath@rspb.org.uk; for more information.
We hope to see you on one of our reserves soon!