Mother's Love

Born on Monday, these two chicks were the apples of both their parents' eyes. All eyes and lenses in the hide were trying to get a picture of the tiny little common cranes at Slimbridge Wildlife and Wetland Trust today. These are first wild ones born and surviving in Britain for 400 years as they became extinct in Britain in the 1600's after hunting and loss of habitat.

Motoring down the M5 in the driving rain - it had been quite reasonable weather when I set off - I was thinking it was a mad idea to try and catch sight of baby cranes today. However there they were at a fair distance, partially obscured by reeds, grasses and a very annoying gate so it was just a question of playing a waiting game to see if a shot would present itself.

Dad is Monty (black, green and red rings) born in the Great Crane Project on the 1st May 2010 and released on 24th Aug 2010, and mum is Chris (Christine) ( black, blue and red rings) born 28 April 2010 and released with Monty. How brilliant they have come back here to breed, successfully so far, with two strong chicks which are being so well looked after by them.

Last night things took a nasty turn as a fox came and gave them a rather scary encounter but both cranes with their wings spread gave chase and all was well. By chance today I met the photographer who was in the hide as the events of yesterday evening unfolded. He showed me the whole sequence of events with some fabulous shots...utterly magnificent. Anyone interested can see one shot on the link to Slimbridge here.

The spoonbill was back today fishing working the shallow water for tiny fish which you can just see if you look in his beak very closely!

More cranes with babies from today.