[PHOTOS] Crowned Crane seeks getaway from San Anton Gardens

Majestic bird in search of a change of scene lands in a Balzan field attracting crowds

The Crowned Crane belongs to San Anton Gardens, but it escaped its enclosure and landed in nearby Balzan
The Crowned Crane belongs to San Anton Gardens, but it escaped its enclosure and landed in nearby Balzan
A tentative attempt at capturing the bird
A tentative attempt at capturing the bird

A beautiful Crowned Crane attracted dozens as it flopped around a Balzan field, under the watchful way of ALE officers.

Photos sent in by MaltaToday reader Gerladine Sammut show the majestic bird as it walked around the field, proudly flapping its wings to a small audience that gathered to admire the view.

The Crowned Crane gave quite a spectacle
The Crowned Crane gave quite a spectacle

Members of the Administrative and Law Enforcement Unit and BirdLife Malta officials descended on site. It was soon confirmed that the bird belongs to San Anton Gardens.

How to catch it? The Crowned Crane attracted crowds as officials considered ways how to take it back to San Anton Gardens.
How to catch it? The Crowned Crane attracted crowds as officials considered ways how to take it back to San Anton Gardens.

The rare sight drew cars to a halt as people stopped to film and photograph the bird.

Members of the ALE unit were also called in
Members of the ALE unit were also called in