Crane numbers continue to grow in Scotland for the first time in nearly 400 years
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The common crane was extinct in the UK for nearly 400 years, but thanks to conservation efforts their population numbers have once again hit record levels with 56 pairs across the UK last year.
The total population is now believed to be more than 200 birds.
In Scotland, cranes were first recorded returning to breed in 2012 in Aberdeenshire, having recolonised naturally after an absence of around 400 years.
Since then, Aberdeenshire has been home to Scotland’s only breeding cranes.
Over the years, two pairs have successfully raised nine chicks and it is thought some of these are now approaching breeding age and pairing up with other cranes to add to the population.
In 2019, a minimum of 17 common cranes spent the spring and summer in Aberdeenshire with 11 seen together in August a record breaking tally for the area that delighted birdwatchers and excited conservationists in equal measure.
Last year’s record numbers included two confirmed breeding pairs, one possible breeding pair, two pairs that seemed not to have attempted to breed and several birds that showed signs of immaturity or appear to be unpaired.
In February this year, common cranes started to be recorded at potential breeding sites.
Pairs returned to the most established nesting sites in March, when RSPB Scotland also received sightings of cranes in suitable breeding habitat elsewhere in the county.
Covid-19 lockdown restrictions mean that the number of pairs to breed this year in Scotland may never be fully known.
However, as the summering population has been gradually increasing, conservationists believe that we may be on the cusp of a significant increase in the breeding population.
Senior conservation officer for RSPB Scotland, Hywel Maggs, said: “It’s really exciting that early sightings this year suggest cranes may have occupied three new nesting sites in addition to the three established sites that are occupied most years.
“The increase in the number of birds we are seeing for long spells in the summer also suggests we could be on the cusp of a significant population expansion.
“ However, for this expansion to be sustained, we need to ensure there are places for the new pairs to nest safely.
“ Many of the potential nest sites such as peatlands and other wetlands are threatened by drainage and disturbance.
“Looking at protecting and restoring these areas might have huge benefits for wildlife as well as being a nature-based solution to climate change”.
Restoring more key sites would create the homes that newly paired cranes are looking for, which could ultimately lead to many more of these elegant dancing birds in Scotland’s skies in years to come.
