African Crowned Crane spotted in Hampstead; photographer says, “FINALLY got ‘Lucky’!”

SINGAPORE: In a Facebook post shared by Anders Tradit, who captured a photo of an African Crowned Crane spotted in Hampstead wrote, “After tens of visiting Seletar Aerospace, FINALLY got ‘Lucky’! Cycled to Hampstead this afternoon even when it was still drizzling.

“Not many birds on the way so thought try my luck with this African Crowned Crane, wasn’t hopeful since it was usually spotted early in the morning,” he added.

At around 6-7:30 in the evening, Anders spotted a bird named ‘Lucky’ – a name that a security personnel in the area gave the bird. “Lucky day indeed,” the user expressed excitement in the caption. 

According to research, African Crowned Cranes are long-legged birds with straight bills, long necks, and an elevated hind toe. They have bare pink or red and white cheek patches and a golden feathery ‘crown’ from the back of their heads. These birds are normally found in wet and dry open habitats but prefer freshwater marshes, wet grasslands, and the peripheries of water bodies. 

African Crowned Cranes are now considered an endangered species, as listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Various threats for their loss include habitat loss and degradation, drought, wetland drainage, overgrazing, fire, agricultural and industrial pollution, industrial construction, dam construction, and illegal international trade.

Netizens commented on the said Facebook post.

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