Somerset Sightings Map

Summer/Autumn 2020 Update

There were a record 26 pairs of release project cranes that held territories across the SouthWest of England this Spring with many of these going on to make breeding attempts. Monitoring was halted during 'lockdown' but we have been able to start catching up with the outcomes of the breeding season and unsuccessful breeding pairs, as well as unpaired 1st and 2nd year birds, plus a small number of pairs with fledged youngsters are now being seen around the Levels and Moors. The brown-headed youngsters can be picked out amongst the flock and they also make a distinctive squeaking call in flight - unlike the deep 'chirr-rupp - chirr-rupp' flight call of the adults. Try scanning for birds out on West Sedgemoor from the Fivehead Ridge or keep an eye out whilst walking the banks of the River Parrett between Oath and Stathe.

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Latest sightings

Hover over the titles below to see where the cranes were spotted -

family of 3. Eysey gravel pit lake. Cotswold water park

Seen 2 years 13 weeks ago by jimday

One crane, seen regularly at the farm that I keep my horses.

Seen 3 years 13 weeks ago by Casseyhains

Two cranes flying overhead, heading NW

Seen 3 years 14 weeks ago by Dwebwizard

Four cranes flying overhead

Seen 3 years 18 weeks ago by Julie Knight

One pair headed north west followed by group of three. Group of 3 appeared to come down in field

Seen 3 years 19 weeks ago by Jonson12

2 adult (large) cranes feeding in the semi-flooded pasture fields

Seen 3 years 23 weeks ago by Hannah Aitken

2 flying east-30m X Parrott heading east

Seen 3 years 26 weeks ago by brainsxv

4 calling cranes flying north east overhead

Seen 3 years 35 weeks ago by wren88

6 or 7 cranes, after circling overhead for a few minutes they flew off in the direction of Ilchester

Seen 3 years 35 weeks ago by Melrw12

2 unringed (confirmed with photographs) cranes flying overhead.

Seen 3 years 36 weeks ago by DebC

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How to identify the difference between Cranes and Herons ›

Golden Rules to watching Cranes

Please put the welfare of the birds above your quest to get any identifying marks such as ring colours or combinations

The cranes are finding their way in the world, and if they are feeding or roosting in a particular habitat they need to be there undisturbed to feed or rest. Disturbing them may endanger their long term survival.

Watch from a sensible distance

You will need to keep at least 150 metres (400ft) or so from them to prevent them flying off if you are on foot. You can read the ring colour combinations easily at this distance (if the birds are in short vegetation!) with a good pair of binoculars or a telescope. If you see them suddenly “heads up” and alert, looking around they have probably heard or seen you and you may be too close. Keep very still and then back off slowly at this point and watch from a more discreet distance.

Be quiet and slow with your movements

Ideally it is best to watch the cranes from the cover of a vehicle, or a hide. Cranes are very wary birds and are easily ‘spooked’ by sudden movements, human figures breaking a skyline, or any sudden noises.