Rare Scottish crane pairs with bird from UK project

The pair have been performing a high-pitched duet call

One of Scotland’s rarest birds has paired up with a mate who was born as part of a project to reintroduce the species to the UK.

The crane, known as Sherry, is the offspring of birds that were released in Somerset.

She has now been seen in Aberdeenshire with one of the cranes who are helping re-establish the breed in Scotland.

It is believed that at some point on her travels Sherry met up with the Scottish crane, and is now with him in the north east.

RSPB Scotland volunteers have witnessed Sherry and her new partner performing their high-pitched duet call.

It is the first time a crane released in England has been spotted with a mate in Scotland.

Cranes disappeared from UK shores hundreds of years ago, largely through habitat loss, but re-emerged 45 years ago.

RSPB Scotland volunteer Amanda Biggins has been monitoring Scottish cranes since they were found breeding in 2012.

"It’s wonderful to see mixing of the UK’s cranes to increase the genetic diversity of our small population," she said.

"It’s a pleasant surprise to welcome Sherry to Aberdeenshire.

"Our cranes are migratory and we suspect that they leave the UK every autumn. Sherry’s movements suggest that they spend the winter in France. We’re hopeful that the pair find a peat bog to call home and return next year when they should be ready to begin nesting."

'Quite a leap'

Five pairs attempted to breed in Scotland last year, the highest number on record.

They successfully fledged four chicks, bringing the total number of Scottish young up to 25.

Sherry hatched in 2021. Her parents were two of the original birds released in Somerset as part of the Great Crane Project.

She was fitted with colour rings, which allowed conservationists to track her movements ever since.

"It’s exciting to see Sherry make quite a leap from the lowland wetlands of Somerset to the peat bogs of Aberdeenshire," said Damon Bridge, chairman of the UK Crane Working Group.

"We’re delighted that she has returned to the British Isles from her winter spent in the west of France and can’t wait to see what comes next for the new pair."