A young crane chick has taken its first tentative steps towards independence on the Somerset Levels, bringing hope that the iconic bird may finally begin to flourish in its native habitat. The 12-week-old chick is a direct descendant of cranes hand-reared and released as part of The Great Crane Project between 2010 and 2014.
Its mother, Meg, is a key player in this conservation success story. A product of the reintroduction programme, she has now raised her third consecutive chick at RSPB Ham Wall – a testament to the reserve's unique environment and the cranes' natural bonding habits.
The reedbeds at RSPB Ham Wall provide an impenetrable sanctuary from predators, making it an ideal nesting ground for vulnerable chicks. The reserve's staff and volunteers are ecstatic about this latest breeding success, with Steve Couch, RSPB Warden at Ham Wall, highlighting the importance of maintaining a disturbance-free environment during this critical period.
As the chick grows stronger, it will begin to venture into the surrounding wetlands in search of food. The reserve's feeding areas, including Broomfields, offer an abundance of seeds, roots, and insects for the cranes to feed on.
The RSPB is urging visitors to support their efforts in protecting these breeding birds and their fledglings. As the crane population slowly begins to rebuild, it is essential that the public plays a key role in safeguarding this conservation success story.