Somerset Ornithological Society - Bird News
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Re: Juvenile cranes

Hi Jeff,

Where's the best place to view the cranes from? I wanted to take my sons to have a look tomorrow morning.

Thanks,

Pete

Re: Juvenile cranes

Pete, if the birds are still in the same area then you need to walk along the banks of the River Parrett between Oath and Stathe. Stick to the path and if you are lucky the birds might be visible over on Aller Moor. Might be worth taking a pair of binoculars.

Re: Juvenile cranes

Thank you, Robin. I'll give it a go.

Re: Juvenile cranes

Good job Robin gave you the info Pete, as I was off-line yesterday evening.

Re: Juvenile cranes

No worries. We walked the path early this morning, but too foggy to see anything!

Re: Juvenile cranes

Over the weekend, the flock (most recently on Aller Moor) have now been joined by a pair that bred in Wiltshire and returned with one fledged chick. If you manage to see any rings - they are Red White Red on the right leg (the female) and Blue Red Blue on the right leg (the male). Their chick is unringed, as are the two chicks from the successful Somerset pair. There is also an unringed adult/sub-adult(?) still with the group.

Re: Juvenile cranes

Could someone please advise where the best place to go with views over West Sedgemoor? I visited Aller Moor yesterday, but alas the cranes weren't about. They were probably on West Sedgemoor.

I understand that West Sedgemoor is a no access reserve, but where are the best places for scope views over the moor?

Thanks

Re: Juvenile cranes

Hi Dave, There is a public footpath which runs right along the south side of the West Sedgemoor reserve, and it's accessible from Swell Woods nature reserve.

Best Wishes,
Bill.

Re: Juvenile cranes

Thank you Bill.

Re: Juvenile cranes

Hi Dave
I dont think there is much point in going along South Drove, I think you need a vantage point such as the Red Brick railway bridge, half way up Red Hill, the Burton Pincent Monument or the veiw point from Swell Wood.

From the railway bridge you can view Aller Moor as well as West Sedgemoor, thay have been spending a lot of their time in the stuble fields on Aller Moor

Mike

Re: Juvenile cranes

The flock of cranes was on Aller Moor this morning. There were 41 when we arrived late morning, including 3 juveniles. Around noon, 11 more adult cranes flew in from the direction of Stoke St Gregory, in a long line, making beautiful calls and joined the flock. The second-last bird in the flying line seemed to have one leg dangling lower than the other, but it had no difficulty in landing.

Re: Juvenile cranes

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!

Re: Juvenile cranes

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.

Re: Juvenile cranes

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.

Robin

Re: Juvenile cranes

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.

Re: Juvenile cranes

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.

Re: Juvenile cranes

65 including 3 juveniles seen feeding on Aller Moor from Oath railway bridge and then flying towards West Sedgemoor at dusk to roost - magnificent!

Re: Juvenile cranes

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.