Driving around Colonsay, I spotted two cyclists and a photographer stood in the road, peering into a field. Lovely sunny day and my window was open, as I slowed I heard immediately what they were looking for.
A very loud harsh "krek krek" call told me they had found a Corncrake. I pulled over as soon as I could on the narrow road and walked back. The bird, was very close, but it was hidden deep in a tangle of brambles and undergrowth at the field edge. Constantly calling it finally moved a bit further into the field, and allowed us to get some shots. Despite being very vocal, most of the time it is very secretive and can be extremely hard to see. Even though this has got vegetation obscuring the bird it does give a sense of its habitat. At times two more were calling, but we never saw those. A short while later about 1/2 mile away I found another one, and got a couple of shots but not as good as this.
This is on many birders wish list, and I was very happy to get these shots.
The Corncrake ( Crex crex), is related to the Moorhen and Land Rail but lives in drier areas, it is a summer migrant to Britain and despite not looking a very strong flier, it actually travels as far as South Africa.
