Cranes hatch at wetland reserve

Two crane chicks have hatched for the first time in Norfolk. The scarce birds arrived at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust’s (WWT) Welney Centre last month, to the delight of staff and visitors.

Measuring 6in tall when they hatch, crane chicks are quickly able to walk, swim and run.

Both parents take an active role in the incubation process, sharing the responsibility of brooding the eggs – swapping over every couple of hours to protect and keep their young warm.

Over the next 10 weeks, both birds will protect the chicks from predators and teach them how to find food.

The site the birds have chosen to nest on was developed for wet springs, such as the one we have experienced this year. This breeding success adds to an impressive list of species on the WWT site, including the black-winged stilt and black-tailed godwit. Samantha Herbert