Common Cranes arriving Sweden, Spring is in the air
Every year in Spring the Common Cranes arrive in Sweden from Spain and Germany. They have arrived to perform their mating dance. It is a spectacle I have looked forward to for years and it did not disappoint. The first two days the weather was really bad, torrential rain and low visibility and -6deg C
Cranes are monogamous and most arrive with their partners among the thousands of other birds, whooper swans, coots, grebes and geese. The call and noise of these birds is deafening but a sight to behold. Day 3 finally the weather forecast showed good weather but -15C. It was a wonderful red, orange sky, aflame with thousands of birds arriving.
They flew across the flaming sky and danced, pirouetting, bowing which helps in establishing life long bonds with existing and new partners.
When nesting, Common cranes "paint" their bodies with mud or decaying vegetation, apparently in order to blend into their nesting environment. The nest is either in or very near shallow water, often with dense shore vegetation nearby, and may be used over several years.
Mythology has it that the crane, if treated with due respect, will bring luck, success and a long life. Farmers in western Sweden have a long tradition of paying homage to the bird by mimicking its leggy gait in a ritual dance around the farmhouse.
An amazing experience despite the freezing temperatures and one that I will always remember.
Common Cranes arriving Sweden, Spring is in the air
Every year in Spring the Common Cranes arrive in Sweden from Spain and Germany. They have arrived to perform their mating dance. It is a spectacle I have looked forward to for years and it did not disappoint. The first two days the weather was really bad, torrential rain and low visibility and -6deg C
Cranes are monogamous and most arrive with their partners among the thousands of other birds, whooper swans, coots, grebes and geese. The call and noise of these birds is deafening but a sight to behold. Day 3 finally the weather forecast showed good weather but -15C. It was a wonderful red, orange sky, aflame with thousands of birds arriving.
They flew across the flaming sky and danced, pirouetting, bowing which helps in establishing life long bonds with existing and new partners.
When nesting, Common cranes "paint" their bodies with mud or decaying vegetation, apparently in order to blend into their nesting environment. The nest is either in or very near shallow water, often with dense shore vegetation nearby, and may be used over several years.
Mythology has it that the crane, if treated with due respect, will bring luck, success and a long life. Farmers in western Sweden have a long tradition of paying homage to the bird by mimicking its leggy gait in a ritual dance around the farmhouse.
An amazing experience despite the freezing temperatures and one that I will always remember.