Migrating cranes

On their way from the wetlands of Russia, Scandinavia and eastern Europe, the migratory birds Cranes pause in eastern Germany’s wetlands to rebuild before continuing their journey to Africa and southern Europe, where they are wintering.

The crane is a huge, graceful, mainly grey bird with long legs, a long neck and drooping, curved tail feathers.

Small numbers pass through Britain in spring and autumn, and there is a tiny breeding population in eastern England. Numbers in Europe have declined over the last 300 years because of disturbance, shooting and drainage.

In Britain, migrating cranes are seen mostly in the south and east. The location of the single breeding site is kept secret to protect the birds.

They are most likely to be seen in April and early May, occasionally in autumn.

Cranes eat seeds, crops, insects, snails and worms.