Common Crane

Got lucky with the Crane just south of Middleton last week. A good 90 minutes in and no sign of the bird. I had passed the area where it had been reported and was just about to head back to the car when two birds lifted distantly ..... a Grey Heron in pursuit of a COMMON CRANE ! Bingo.
They had lifted in the area near Middleton Mill and the Crane continued east along the course of the river before settling out of site. As i retraced my steps i noticed the bird directly ahead of me and as i did it lifted again, disappearing behind a small copse. I re found it on the south side of the River Wansbeck beside where Middleton Burn joins. Although slightly distant i could have gotten closer via the small copse BUT i was out of time and left it looking like it was not going anywhere fast. Might return if it sticks around which looks likely.