Cranes and surveys at Dawn

The last couple of days have been dominated by early morning breeding bird surveys. Although I’ve been getting up for 6 to 6.15 starts (not my forte), I’ve been rising with some enthusiasm, as the surveys have provided me with a great opportunity to improve my bird call identification skills.

The birds seem to have a greater enthusiasm for calling at the break of day. To my unknowing ear they appear to exude joy that another day is upon them. It’s a privilege to be able to hear the songs, of such a great variety of birds, at this time of day.

This morning myself and Hannah made a quick detour via the ploughed fields to the North of the reserve to catch up with some Cranes (Common/European) that had been seen the evening before. Luckily enough these rare visitors (from Europe?) were still there feeding and looking fantastically regal in the early morning mist.

: These trays are the same size, tray one shows Otter prints, tray two, seemingly Mink. Unfortunately for the Mink, they aren’t welcome in this country, so they must be trapped.

: This might be my favourite photo of all time. The Ospreys discuss their plan for the day as the sun rises.

: Two similar photos in one post is a luxury, especially given my appalling internet connection, but I like this one too

: The Cranes

: Looking East over the reserve this morning

: Or maybe this is my favourite of all my photos. This Lapwing was flying and peewiting its little heart out to please the prospective Mrs Lapwing