A Common Crane from the Somerset reintroduction programme has paired up with a wild chook in Scotland.
The West Country chook, nicknamed ‘Sherry’, is the offspring of a pair that was launched in Somerset as a part of the Great Crane Project. She has not too long ago been seen in Aberdeenshire with a male and performing courtship dances.
It marks the primary time a crane launched in England has been seen with a mate in Scotland.
Common Crane is having fun with a inhabitants improve in Britain (Geof Slocombe).
Crane revival
RSPB Scotland volunteer Amanda Biggins has been monitoring Scottish cranes since they have been discovered breeding in 2012 and mentioned: “It’s fantastic to see mixing of the UK’s cranes to extend the genetic variety of our small inhabitants.
“It’s a nice shock to welcome Sherry to Aberdeenshire. Our cranes are migratory and we suspect that they go away the UK each autumn. Sherry’s actions counsel that they spend the winter in France.
“We’re hopeful that the pair discover a peat bathroom to name home and return subsequent 12 months when they need to be able to begin nesting.”
Five pairs of Common Crane tried to breed in Scotland final 12 months, the very best quantity on report. They efficiently fledged 4 chicks, bringing the overall variety of Scottish young as much as 25. Indeed, 2023 was a report 12 months for the species in Britain, which has loved a rise in recent years.
Bouncing again
“It’s thrilling to see Sherry make fairly a leap from the lowland wetlands of Somerset to the peat bogs of Aberdeenshire,” mentioned Damon Bridge, chairman of the UK Crane Working Group.
“We’re delighted that she has returned to the British Isles from her winter spent within the west of France and may’t wait to see what comes subsequent for the brand new pair.”
