Specialized “Runways” Aid UK’s Tallest Birds at Nature Reserve

Custom-built “runways” have been put in place to assist the United Kingdom’s tallest avian species in safely departing from a wildlife sanctuary. The Lakenheath Fen location, managed by the RSPB in Suffolk, has served as a habitat for common cranes since 2007, offering an ideal environment for the successful hatching of 24 chicks. Currently, four expansive sections, each approximately 5m (16.4ft) in width and 10m (32.8ft) in length, have been cleared from the wetland’s reedbed to enable the birds to take off and land without incident. These designated strips are utilized by the cranes much like airport runways during the spring and summer seasons, serving to prevent their 1m (3.3ft) wings from becoming entangled in the reeds. During the current year, three pairs of this species have established nests at the 90-hectare nature reserve, leading to the successful hatching of three chicks before they became airborne. Dave Rogers, who is the site manager at RSPB Lakenheath Fen, stated: “The creation of runways has proven to be a simple yet effective way to encourage cranes to return each year.” He added: “Our nature reserve was originally designed to provide a safe home for species that favour living in reedbed.” Rogers continued: “We are overjoyed when we see that work paying off, with young cranes successfully fledging year after year.” Over the last 18 years, the reedbed has expanded and proliferated across many of the shallow water zones where cranes typically land, necessitating the trimming of the plant growth. Cranes inherently favor landing and departing from open spaces close to their sizable nests, and they meticulously scan their surroundings to confirm the absence of nearby predators. Subsequently, once they perceive safety, they discreetly navigate through the reedbed to their nests to incubate their eggs and will spend the night there with their offspring. This strategy for predator avoidance is evidently effective. For instance, in 2023, the count of breeding pairs in the UK reached 80, representing an increase of eight pairs compared to 2021. The cranes are most readily observed at the reserve throughout February and March, a period when they engage in courtship displays for their mates and delineate their breeding territories. These charismatic and unique birds, capable of standing up to 1.2m (3.9ft) tall, are identifiable by their pale grey body feathers and darker grey wing extremities. Furthermore, they possess a long, thin neck that extends to a head adorned with a black and white pattern, culminating in a vivid area of exposed, red skin on their crown. “We can guarantee that if you are lucky enough to spot them, seeing your first crane in the wild is a moment you will never forget,” Mr Rogers commented. News from Suffolk can be accessed via BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.