Crane flock increases in number and becomes more regular on the reserve!
Since the start of October the crane flock has grown, so that we now have 17 individuals regularly using the reserve for roosting over night and feeding during the day. Visitors are getting fantastic views as they favour the washes directly in front of our Lyle hide. If you haven't seen cranes in the wild before, this is one of the best opportunitites to see so many all together in the East of England.
In amongst the group there are three families and several pairs of adults. We now know that two of the families have come from Lakenheath Fen, Suffolk and the other family from a site in Cambridgeshire. One of the Lakenheath Fen families is in the photo with two juveniles and could be seen earlier in the summer from the trainline which passes through the RSPB reserve. The other Lakenheath pair are affectionately known as Little and Large and have one juvenile with them. But it is not known for sure exactly where the other adults have come from.
We don't know exactly how long the flock will keep using the reserve, it will depend on reserve conditions and food availability in surrounding arable fields as the harvesting season continues. So best not to miss out on seeing them and plan a visit soon!
