When the call went out from one of our volunteers this morning that four Common Cranes were flying our way, I rushed outside and scanned the sky. To no avail. Despite being such big birds, and usually calling noisily, I could see or hear them. Five minutes later Peter called again. The Cranes were now over the wardens office. Running up to the car park, I again scanned high in the sky, then just caught a sight as they disappeared from view very low over the wood, heading towards Island Mere. I'd made the mistake of assuming these elegant birds were soaring high.
Common Cranes in flight by David Naylor
Sightings of Common Cranes are no longer unexpected at Minsmere in spring and early summer, though they are rarely seen in midwinter. They are presumably part of the small, but growing, population in the Broads, with some birds dispersing elsewhere for the winter. Or perhaps they are wanderers from the Fenland population. Or, just maybe, these four could have been new arrivals from the continent, having crossed the North Sea rather than continue their journey south to Spain.
Whatever their origins, it's always a delight to see Cranes. Standing over a metre tall, and with a two metre wingspan, Common Crane is the tallest bird in the UK. Their grey plumage is adorned with a brilliant red patch on the back of the neck, and they sport an impressive bussle, giving them a distinctive shape as they strut across marshes in search of tubers, roots and invertebrates to eat.
Common Crane (photo taken in captivity)
While most visitors will sadly have missed this party of Cranes, there's been plenty more to spot this week. The two Whooper Swans remain on the Scrape, where they joined yesterday by two Egyptian Geese. Several Goldeneyes and Pochards also remain among the huge flocks of Shoveler, Gadwall, Wigeon, Teal, Mallard and Pintail.
Egyptian Goose by Clare Carter
Heavy rain this week has seen water levels rise again on the Scrape, with most of the islands disappearing once more beneath the water, leading to our waders moving elsewhere. A few hardy Lapwings and the odd Snipe and Black-tailed Godwit remain, along with one or two Little Egrets. At times the most numerous birds on the Scrape are Cormorants, resting, squabbling or fishing. Those not on the Scrape are feeding offshore along with hundreds of Herring Gulls and several Grey Seals, while a couple of Velvet Scoters were spotted offshore today too.
The rising water levels mean that the Sluice Track is very deeply flooded again and is likely to remain closed until well into the New Year, while waterproof shoes are needed to access Island Mere. It's worth the effort, though, with good numbers of Marsh Harriers over the reedbed, the ringtail Hen Harrier continues to be seen regularly, occasional Otters, a couple of Snipe and regular Bearded Tits seen from Bittern Hide and Island Mere.
We're also enjoying regular sightings of Nuthatch, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Marsh Tit on the feeders alongside the commoner birds, so even if you are just visiting to use the shop of cafe then you'll still be able to enjoy some good birdwatching.
Nuthatch