Crane

 I borrowed Louise's car yesterday to have a run over to NDC. Arrived at 11.45 and settled in for a 3 hour watch.The dry spell has dramatically reduced the water viewable, a combination of evaporation and emergent vegetation. Couple this with significant heat haze, despite the NE wind and viewing conditions were far from optimal. I like it though!

I recorded a modest 33 Species on a sunny but fresh afternoon. I could still see parts of the Bund but nothing of note was seen. I was pleased to see that some Pintail (c10) remain and the breeding pair of Mute Swans appear to be doing well on the Scrape. Waders were represented by Lapwing, Curlew and Redshank. 

A pair of Gadwall showed well on the Scrape...

A beautiful Drake

There were quite a few Herons dotted around the Reserve at various distances. As I scanned the far end I picked up what I thought initially was another in the shimmering haze. I was talking to my Mother at the time on the phone. I had to cut the call short (I did ring her back) when the "Heron" turned into a Crane (87) as it took off!!! Surprisingly I couldn't initially relocate it? After around 30 seconds I had it circling high over the Carrs...

The Bird was in view for around 15 minutes before heading strongly North towards Wheldrake Ings where it roosted.This was only my 4th record here after...

3 Birds - 20/3/2011 

1 Bird - 18/5/2012 

2 Birds - 27/5/2025

So, after initial disappointment at the dry conditions, I ended up with an adrenaline rush. Birding in a nutshell! Just off to do a rain dance...