The Corncrake or Landrail Crex crex breeds in grasslands, particularly hayfields, where it builds a nest of grass in a hollow in the ground. Much of its breeding habitat is under threat from modern farming techniques as nests are often destroyed before its eggs can hatch which has led to a steep decline in numbers in western Europe. The male’s call is a loud krek krek, from which the scientific name is derived and can be heard almost continuously early in the season, particularly at night. At this time its call may be repeated over 20,000 times and can be heard from up to a mile away. It has been said, if you live near a corncrake, you may never sleep!
Andy is a contributing photographer to National Geographic magazine and a multi-award winning wildlife photographer. As well as winning two categories he also won the overall title of Bird Photographer of the Year 2016 and has had over 30 awarded images in the British Wildlife Photography Awards, winning three categories along the way. He’s also been awarded 3 times in both Wildlife Photographer of the Year and European Wildlife Photographer of the Year and in 2012 was named Nature Photojournalist of the Year. He prefers to work close to his home in Derbyshire and works exclusively with animals and birds that are wild and free.
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