corncrake

[jamesxvs]

as I,m a newbie to all aspects of birdwatching can anyone tell me is it rare to see a corncrake( l think), as l see one every morning as l go to work in the west mids.

[wildone]

I would be most surprised if you saw a Corncrake in the west Midlands regularly. As far as I am aware they are only found in Scotland and a few have been released in Fenland area of Cambridgeshire. They have already, or will be migrating south to Africa by now. Are you sure that it was not Grey Partridge that you have seen?

wildone

[naturelover]

what is a corncrake never herd of that befor,also i live in the fens what should i be looking for?.

[paulchandler6]

Corncrake are only found breeding in the West of Scotland and Ireland. Having said that I have heard 2 in Oxfordshire, both in spring though. Migrants can still be found rarely up until October. There call/song is very distinctive & usually only heard in spring/summer when on territory. but they can be very difficult to see. Its possible that it was a Partridge you saw? Cheers

[jamesxvs]

thanks for replying folks,just a quick update on the bird l keep seeing,l only see it if l leave for work early (6.00 am) it looks like a moor hen in size but stands upright it has the features of a pheasant/partridge same beak and head shape it has turtouise shell colours on the back like a turtle dove the breast is plain browny l think as the miniute l get anywhere near it it runs into the undergrowth,l would love to get a pic but would take a early rise and some waiting around.
thanks again
James

[wildone]

Could it have been a juvenile Grey Partridge? Or even a juvenile Pheasant? Other than that I cannot think of anything else you are seeing.

wildone

[wildone]

Originally Posted by naturelover

what is a corncrake never herd of that befor,also i live in the fens what should i be looking for?.

Naturelover they have been released I believe somewhere on the Nene, but I doubt very much whether you will see one.