Stilts and Cranes

A day out yesterday to admire Cheshire's celebrities - the breeding Black Winged Stilts at Neumann's Flash near Northwich. The pair have bred, hatching three chicks (although only one has survived) and the RSPB have set up a viewing scheme and 24 hour Stilt surveliance, see

http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/details.asp?id=tcm:9-190789

Despite getting soaked we enjoyed good views through the scope of the Black Winged Stilts (lifer 232), first the male, then his partner sitting on the chick, legs akimbo. Finally we saw the chick having a little walk. Also lots of Swifts, House Martins, a Curlew, Shoveler, Jay, Lesser Black Backed Gulls, 1 Great Blacked Gull and Reed Bunting.

We came home via Shropshire, to see the Cranes at Sleap Moor, Crudgington. They are on private land and the farmer is kindly letting birders view them (charity donations are being collected). We watched these two splendid birds for some time (year tick). Around the farm we also saw Corn Bunting, Whitethroat, Stock Dove, Curlew, Lapwing and Red legged Partridge.