Finally caught up with the cranes today around 10am. Large group (c. 30) flying from Aller moor, over the red brick railway bridge, towards Curry Rivell. Two other smaller parties also seen: one of 7 birds flying in same direction and a group of 5 flying towards Burrow Mump. Fantastic to see and hear!
I also caught up with the cranes for the first time and was very grateful for the directions to this location. Between 1.30 and 3pm i had a flock of twelve cranes that started in pasture near a group of geese before they flew up to the stubble field. Fantastic to see them and what fabulous old fruit trees along the parret trail as i walked there and back.
Pete, Matthew and everyone else. Many, thanks for the updates. I have been watching the Cranes for at least 3 years and this afternoon and early evening was one of the best ever. About 60 cranes in total, 2 family groups, Cranes flying, bugling calls reverberating, plus a couple of other inflight calls that I haven't heard before. However, it is not often that 60 cranes fly directly overhead when flying over the Railway Bridge. Add to the mix a superb Sunset and a rising Supermoon, pure magic.
No sign of any large numbers this morning (between 10.30 and midday) but I did see a family(?) group of four - two adults with 2 juveniles - at some distance.
At one point they were confronted by a couple of swans, at which much leaping and wing flapping ensued. All quietened down after a while.
Whilst viewing from a drove just east of Stoke St Gregory looking south towards Swell Wood a large flock of Cranes took flight. I counted 58 individuals. They flew towards the red brick railway bridge and were constantly calling.
So far as I know, marsh harrier green wingtags are all from the Hawk and Owl Trust Sculthorpe Moor reserve in Norfolk. Will report at AGM this weekend.