Steamy cranes show spring is in the air at Slimbridge!

Steamy cranes show spring is in the air at Slimbridge!

Despite wintery conditions, this pair of mating cranes at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre in Gloucestershire has shown that spring is round the corner – well in their eyes anyway!

Cranes, which are the largest and loudest species of UK bird, are making a comeback in the UK and WWT Slimbridge is one of the best spots to see them in the wild. Regularly the striking birds perform dramatic flypasts in the skies above the famous nature reserve and lively dancing displays in front of the hides.

This pair, called Bart and Ruby, were released as chicks in Somerset as part of the Great Crane Project. They nested last summer at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre but failed to rear a chick.

From the look of these pictures taken on a day with temperatures close to zero though they are wasting no time trying again this year!

ENDS

For more information contact Sally Munro, Marketing Manager at WWT Slimbridge on 01453 891232 / 07972176540

Editors Notes

· The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) is one of the world's largest and most respected wetland conservation organisations working globally to safeguard and improve wetlands for wildlife and people

· Founded in the UK in 1946 by the late Sir Peter Scott, today we complement wetland conservation work carried out worldwide with a network of nine UK visitor centres

· Wetland Centres are where people can have close encounters with awe-inspiring nature – wildlife clusters near water so there is always something to see at a Wetland Centre, every day of the year

· As well as hundreds of species of birds, you can also see other wetland creatures like otters, water voles and dragonflies in their natural environment

· WWT Wetland Centres hold year-round events such as walks and talks, safaris and feeding sessions, photography and craft classes, children's activities and a host of special guest speakers

· All WWT Wetland Centres have comfortable hides, easy pathways, fully stocked cafes and gift shops, Disabled and Mother & Baby facilities and lots of interactive ways to get close to wildlife

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