There have been literally a thousand “grus grus” or common cranes, flying overhead today, on their annual migration from Scandinavia and Germany to wherever they go in Africa for the cold months. They remind me of the Canada geese migrations in the states, and their trumpet sounds while flying are kind of similar too. There have been flocks of many dozens at a time, flying overhead over the past week or so, but today seemed like a red-letter day as we saw so many, mostly in long v-formations, but sometimes when they encountered a thermal it seemed they all took a break to swirl around in the air current like a giant bird circus floating in a spiral before coming out of the thermal and continuing on.
Has anyone else perhaps seen these birds’ migrations these days?
Hi Mary,
Yes, we have seen them here (23) all weekend and as you say, today there seemed to be the most. They truly are a spectacular sight and sound, today I heard them before they emerged through the clouds. I always look up to the sky and wish them a safe journey.
Have never seen grues here in NW France, but looking at migration maps it seems they they take a diagonal and central route from north-eastern France, through the central regions to the South West, and a similar trajet through Spain.
Apparently they do most of their flying at night as it takes less energy. Interesting birds, pity we don’t get a fly-over in Normandy, as they seem to shun the Atlantic coastal areas, and the Mediterranean.
You see them in the centre of France often resting up for the day and eating/drinking, at least I have seen them there from the motorway, the only times I think I have seen them on the ground, beautiful creatures. I love seeing the storks as well.
We used to see similar migrating birds in central southern Africa, they were pure white with long bills and very trusting, would settle for a while in the garden like guests at a garden party, then fly off in a flock together. Don’t know where they came from or whither they went, but they were seasonal too.
They have been flying overhead all weekend. Large v-formations, circling overhead as well to allow smaller groups to c’catch up’ . Total racket as they seem to chatter to each other about the route to take, wait for me cries or ‘come on’ lets go signalling.
Very tempted to get the deck chair out and just stare at the sky.
So interesting! I hope to see them again in the spring as a sign that winter is over?
