CRANE ROOST IN ROSARITO RESERVOIR

Here in Villanueva de la Vera we’re lucky enough to live only 9 km from a Crane roost, in Rosarito Reservoir. They’re here from October to February though the roost size each night is very variable. On the best nights up to 6000 or more come in. When the flocks fly honking and trumpeting overhead, against the backdrop of the snow-capped peaks of Gredos, it’s a stunning spectacle of light and sound, which we try to enjoy as many times as possible each winter. Trouble is, despite being declared as a SPA, the roost is given no protection whatsoever and the birds are often pestered by quads, motorbikes, 4X4’s or fishermen who insist on driving their cars right to the water’s edge. We visited the roost last night and only about a thousand birds came in. Let’s hope it’s just a one-off dip and not because of all the nuisance they suffer.

Crane flying above my head