Wild Eurasian cranes running around on the South lake at Slimbridge, the youngsters, born in June this year, are practising wing flapping and very short jumps.
This is a Brilliant Shot! These are Ruby and her un-ringed wild partner who can often be seen from the South Lake. Ruby lost her previous partner, Bart, a few years ago and since paired with the un-ringed wild bird who arrived shortly after Bart’s death. This pair is also the pair I spotted on my visit in February and it’s good to see another successful batch. Thought it would be nice to share some info on such lovely birds .
Thanks. They are amazing! Great to hear you’ve seen them too, I’ve seen her fairly close up before but he at only longer range. Fascinating to see how they pair.
@Lafone If you have ever considered shooting Kingfisher, I cannot recommend RSPB Rainham more. You are almost guaranteed to see at least one. They are currently brooding in front of one of the hides so about every half hour they go out hunting. On my last visit I didn’t even try going to that hide and yet saw 3 individuals .
Thanks! I was at Rainham the other week for the first time - what a lovely place. The Kingfisher bank looked interesting so I'll have to check it out more closely. I liked the history of the site and the WW1 shooting butts and pill box etc too, fascinating stuff. I had a Kingfisher at Slimbridge recently and I've done a hide this year to see them too but mostly it's as they whizz past... that flash of blue, always tantalising stuff!
Yes, Rainham is absolutely lovely. The bearded tits are another brilliant one, with more juveniles than I could count. I always give the nearby beach outside the site, Aveley Bay, a quick check as the shelduck and various waders are almost always present (if not sacred by the seals .) The amount of Butterflies along here as-well is astounding.
