CRANE (Common Crane) Grus grus AE*.
Passage migrant; rare being less than annual. Species went ex BBRC in 1988. Records assessed by the WBRC up until the 31st December 2022, when it dropped off the WBRC list as it was considered impossible to distinguish genuine wilds due to the ever-expanding UK re-introduced population.
17 records - including 2 not considered wild by WBRC in 2020:
16 & 17). 2021, 24th August: Cors Ddyga RSPB - 2 seen on fields and in flight. Photographed. Reported in flight again on the 25th and drifted south. (S&RBiW2021 p55).
14 & 15). 2020, 27th March: South Stack – 2, observed in flight over South Stack, with possible earlier sighting at Brynteg. Sighting at South Stack accepted by WBRC, but as the details of legs were not seen they were not accepted as wild birds as using WBRC criteria the possibility of re-introduced birds could not be ruled out - considered that birds probably originated from the Somerset reintroduction scheme. (S&RBiW2020 p8).
11 - 13). 2017, 26th March: Dulas – 3, flew over. (S&RBiW2017 p10).
9 & 10). 2011, 21st April: Llanfairynghornwy – 2. Photographed. (S&RBiW2011 p11).
8). 2007, 4th June: Alaw estuary – 1. (S&RBiW2007 p338).
7). 1997, 28th September – 11th October: Llantrisant/Carmel – 1 seen. (Cambrian bird report 1997 p30).
6). 1995, 28th April: Rhoscolyn – 1. (Cambrian bird report 1995 2004 p30).
3 - 5). 1980, 1st May: The Range, Holyhead – 3 birds landed. (Birds of Anglesey 2004 p241).
2). 1966, 17th September: Cemlyn – sub adult. (Birds of Anglesey 2004 p241).
1). 1908, 16th May: Rhosneigr – female, shot. (Birds of Anglesey 2004 p241).