Cranes at sunset

Earlier this spring, you might remember I was lucky enough to spend time with the Common Crane family at Willow Tree Fen LWT. It was such a privilege to watch the two youngsters in their early days, learning how these fantastic birds behave up close.

One of the most fascinating parts was witnessing a behaviour apparently newly recorded for the site: the parents built a fresh nest each night. Amy and I were there the first evening they left the original nest site and moved the chicks to a new, temporary one. We watched this happen again and again over a few evenings — amazing to see such care and adaptability in action.

It’s moments like this that make you realise how much is still to be learned about the wildlife right on our doorstep. We felt very lucky indeed.