In many parts of Europe, even over large cities, the musical call of a flock of Cranes flying back to their breeding grounds in Spring or migrating south to Spain in the Autumn is an exhilarating sound. Cranes were once widespread in Britain before becoming extinct in the 16th century through hunting and the loss of wetland. In 1979 a small number of wild birds returned to Norfolk before spreading elsewhere in England aided by the creation and improvement of their favoured habitat especially reedbeds. Ashley Grove has visited the Lake Hornborga area of Sweden which plays host to one of the most incredible bird spectacles to be seen in Europe, with over 25,000 Cranes stopping here to feed on their journey to more northerly breeding grounds. All five European Grebe species can be seen in the early Spring as well as birds like White-tailed Eagle, Hawfinch and Capercaillie all of which feature in Ashley’s talk.
Come to hear Ashley at our next presentation at Bakewell Bird Study Group’s meeting on Monday 12th February at 7.30pm. As always the presentation is at the Friends Meeting House at the end of Chapel Row, off Matlock Street (A6) in Bakewell, behind and immediately to the left of the Methodist church.
Visitors are welcome, £3 on the door. Meetings are listed in the Peak Advertiser and at Bakewell Tourist Information Office or visit the BBSG website at www.bakewellbird studygroup.org.uk or call 07768 928432.