I’m posting the following on behalf of Damon Bridge, Species Recovery Officer, ‘Saving Nature Scheme’ Volunteering Development Project. It contains interesting information on the Somerset Common Cranes.

“Currently 72 of the 93 birds released through the reintroduction project between 2010-14 survive – with 4 chicks raised to fledging still surviving and in with the population in the South West of the UK.  There is also an un-ringed adult bird in with the group here which has been present all winter – a total population of around 77 birds.  Of these, 10 (or so) seem fairly well fixed on the Slimbridge area as their home turf, and 1 is alive and well, and partnered up with a fenland bird near Ely, Cambridgeshire.  So currently in Somerset we have around 66.  Within this 66 are 14 birds that are only 2 years old and too young to make breeding attempts, and around 18 pairs of birds at breeding age.  Many of which are currently busy prospecting for potential nest sites. 

A number of pairs are holding or establishing territories. We have a team of volunteers carrying out regular monitoring on these ‘known’ areas to establish if and when these pairs start incubation, as well as carrying out further ad hoc survey and monitoring work to pick up territorial pairs in other parts of the Levels and Moors.

We are very keen to give the breeding pairs the optimum chance of fledging chicks and have nest protection measures we can deploy to help ensure a successful outcome.  The biggest threat to breeding pairs is disturbance, particularly if pair locations are known about.”

Damon has said that, if any members of the Society would like to help in the protection and monitoring process, he and his team would be really happy to hear from anyone keen to help out. Damon’s telephone number is at the RSPB West Sedgemoor Office on 01458 252820.

Administrator’s Comment:

Please be very careful about posting Crane sightings over the coming months. Any postings relating to birds in known or possible territorial areas will be deleted.