Common Cranes cause a stir.

Scarce migrant birds roost at RSPB Pulborough Brooks Nature Reserve

The sight of a Common crane on the flood meadows at RSPB Pulborough Brooks nature reserve in spring has become an annual event over the last few years – and this year has been no exception.

On several occasions over the past couple of weeks, a pair of these majestic birds have roosted overnight on the reserve, feeding on the wet meadows from first light – before heading off around mid morning.

Samantha Stokes, Visitor Officer at RSPB Pulborough Brooks nature reserve said: “We have come to expect one or two of these birds to arrive on the reserve in the first week of April – and although they only seem to stay for a night at a time, it is amazing to see them. Their arrival has certainly caused a stir, with visitors flocking to the reserve to catch a glimpse of these huge birds.”

Once common in Britain, the common crane became extinct here in the 17th century. Larger than the grey heron and with a loud trumpeting call, a small breeding population has now returned in eastern England.

RSPB Pulborough Brooks Visitor Centre is open daily, with gift shop, information area, toilets and café, which serves lunch from 12 noon – 2.30 pm and cakes all day. For further information on the reserve, contact the visitor centre on 01798 875851, or email pulborough.brooks@rspb.org.uk. The reserve is located off the A283 between Pulborough and Storrington.

For further information please contact:

Sam Stokes, Pulborough Brooks Visitor Officer, tel: 01798 875851

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