Aberdeenshire crane chicks help contribute to record-breaking year for the species
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The number of Cranes in the UK has hit a record high, with Scotland’s population playing a key role in their recovery.
Figures released this week as part of World Wetlands Day on Friday have revealed that at least four chicks successfully fledged in Scotland in 2023, all located within Aberdeenshire.
This is the joint-highest number since surveys began and contributed to a record-breaking year, with at least 80 confirmed adult pairs and 36 chicks fledging in total across the UK.
After being driven to extinction in the 16th century, Cranes naturally returned to England in 1979.
They have since expanded their range and the first breeding pairs were recorded in Scotland in 2012.
The total UK population is now believed to be in excess of 250 birds, around 10 per cent of which are in Scotland.
Cranes build their nests in wetland habitats such as peat bogs, and the loss of these sites was likely a key driver of their previous extinction. However, recent conservation work is restoring some of these sites, helping Cranes flourish and providing more homes for specialist wetland species such as Curlews and Lapwings.
Damon Bridge, chair of the UK Crane Working Group, said: “The conservation and protection of UK wetlands is helping our Crane population go from strength-to-strength.
"But that’s only part of the story. Wetlands support countless other magnificent species, lock-away carbon to fight climate change and can hold back water to help reduce the impact of flooding.
“The continued success of these amazing birds is showing us that conservation action works. We need to build on this foundation by safeguarding protected sites and creating larger, better-connected wetland areas across the UK to fully reap the benefits this vital habitat can provide for nature and people.”
Wetland areas provide refuge to huge numbers of native and migrant birds, including Cranes. They are also capable of storing vast quantities carbon, and their value in helping to combat and lessen the effects of climate change is becoming ever more important.
Recent flooding across the UK and the expectation of more frequent heavy rainfall events due to climate change has highlighted another key role of wetlands – their ability to hold onto water, slow down its flow and help reduce the impact of extreme weather on people and property.
RSPB Scotland’s Crane Monitoring volunteer, Amanda Biggins, said: "Although the Scottish breeding population remains small and localised, productivity is high, with an amazing total of 24 young fledged in Aberdeenshire since 2012.
"A record five pairs attempted to breed here in 2023 and we hope further increases are imminent.
“As our young birds mature, they need to establish territories of their own to bolster the existing breeding population. Fortunately, Aberdeenshire offers an important combination of peatland and wetland nesting habitats alongside a traditional mixed farming system for feeding.
“Like the rest of the UK, many peatlands in Aberdeenshire are fragmented and in poor condition, but restoration measures have so far proved very attractive to Cranes, with one pair even relocating to successfully nest on a recently rewetted site. Unlike the English birds, Scottish Cranes are thought to leave the UK for the winter, so we’re all eagerly anticipating their return in March."
Standing at a height of 1.2m (4ft), the UK’s tallest bird is also known for its graceful mating dance. When a pair comes together to start the breeding season, they reinforce their bond with an energetic dance of head bobbing, bows and pirouettes.
Cranes are naturally secretive and can be difficult to spot, however one of the best places to see them is at RSPB Scotland’s Loch of Strathbeg nature reserve.
