Cranage

Sunday's Crane reappeared in the main meadow at Wheldrake Ings today, giving me increased enthusiasm to head down after work to see what else the north wind had blown in. Sure enough, the majestic beast was stalking around on the edge of the flood, among the grazing Wigeon and Teal. So massive, it could be seen with the naked eye from the bridge even though it was a long way off!

 Wigeon-herder

It was great to see the Crane unobscured by the willows and at much closer range. My sister twitched it and we had an enjoyable evening sitting in Tower Hide. There is still a big flock of Blackwits here plus 17 Ruff, a few Dunlins and Golden Plovers. My first Swallow of the year cruised north along the canal into a bitter wind; tough little bird. A Garganey was tucked up asleep on the far edge with a few other ducks. Not a bad way to start Friday evening!

Long-range Garganey