...if you think its cold in the UK...

 Cranes in northern Germany March 2013.  Thanks for the photo Jane Muenstermann!

This time last year, cranes had already started incubating within the Schorfheide Chorin Biosphere Reserve in Brandenburg.  This year  - it is still well below freezing during the day, and has been for at least the last 12 days, with temperatures falling as low a -12 C at night.   The cranes have returned, but are standing around and feeding in groups - unable to begin nesting in their wetland areas which are still locked in winter's icy grip.   

Our egg collection plans for the fourth and penultimate year of collection for reintroduction are currently on hold and a trip that usuall coincides with Easter looks like it is going to take place in early May this year.

About the author

Damon’s role is to act as the hub of the project - making sure everyone involved knows what is going on and that it is all running smoothly. He is also responsible for project community awareness work in Somerset, construction of the release enclosure, and running the post release monitoring work in Somerset.  Damon works alongside the RSPB reserve teams in Somerset.