Cranes in
France
Migration and wintering
2002-2003
2002 : Postnuptial migration
Wintering 2002-2003
2003 : Prenuptial migration
2003 : Prenuptial migration
|
|
Cranes in
France |
|
|
2003 : Prenuptial migration |
||
| The first migratory flight, heading towards the north-east, was observed in the Marne (51) on January 20th. This was an usual date compared to previous years. Two days later, three other departments observed migratory flights : the Meuse (55) : 100 birds, the Seine-et-Marne (77) : 50 birds and the Cher (18) : 30 birds. | ||
|
Early arrivals and haphazard movements |
As early as February 9th, 500 Common Cranes migrated to the Cher (18) and 650 to the l’Yonne (89). The following day, more than 1,000 birds were observed in the Haute-Vienne (87) and on February 11th, about 1,000 birds flew over France. | |
|
A single protracted wave |
Throughout the spring of 2003, this movement was remarkable for the regular
flights over a long period. Statistics relating to daytime flights are sparse.
Consequently, it was far more difficult to ascertain the succession of flights
compared to the previous autumn. Commencing on the 18th, several hundred Common
Cranes flew over the Landes (40) and 2,500 over the Charente (16). These birds
were members of the group (6,000) which left the Sotonera region (Spain) several
hours earlier. The following day, 2,000 birds migrated to the Loiret (45) and
3,400 to the nearly department of the Yonne (89). The main migration took place
on February 21st , 22nd and 23rd. Thus, more than 10,000 Common Cranes were
observed in the Vienne (86) on the 21st. On the same day, these were only 3,080
Common Cranes in Captieux (33/40), whereas 9,610 were still in Arjuzanx (40),
reinforced by arrivals from Spain. The period between February 24th and 27th was
uneventful, with a few sporadic flights involving only a handful of birds here
and there. However, several flights were observed in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais (59
/ 62) on February 25th. Migration resumed on February 28th, with 3,000 Common
Cranes in the Dordogne (24). On March 1st, more than 16,000 birds flew over the
Pyrenees via traditionnal routes. Significant migrations were also observed in
eastern France, particularly in Alsace and Lorraine regions. On the same day, no
Common Cranes were left in Puydarrieux (65). Many birds crossed the German
border between the 1st and 3rd March (10,000 in the Hessen region on March 1st).
Migration continued at an unabated level. During the evening of March 4th,
12,000 Common Cranes flew over the Dordogne (24) towards the north-east. The
Pyrenees also formed part of the principal migratory routes. It is extremely
difficult to ascertain numbers throughout this long period. Clearly, the vast
majority of birds migrated during this 20-day interval. The number of birds is
estimated as being at least 80,000. |
|
|
|
Map 5 : Total number of Common cranes
during the first wave |
|
|
Diverse movements recorded |
From March 12th onwards, migratory flights decreased sharply, involving very few birds. However, 200 Common Cranes were observed in the Meuse (55) on March 16th, while in the Yonne (89) 81 birds migrated on March 18th and in the Deux-Sèvres (79) 120 Common Cranes on March 22nd. In April, 16 birds were observed in the Marne (51) on the 13th, and 3 in the Vendée (85) on the same day. The two final observations were made, one on April 26th : 1 bird in the Meuse (55) and the other one on June 24th, involving 2 birds in the same department. No more than 2,000 Common Cranes were spotted during this period. In all, prenuptial migration involved at least 85,000 birds.
|
|
|
The French Crane Network |
 Administered
by the Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux (L.P.O.)
Champagne-Ardenne, the French Crane Network includes all
organizations and associations interested in this bird. The aims are manifold : - to anticipate migratory movements - to inform the public and media - to follow up bird numbers - to locate ringed birds - to determine migratory routes - to play a part in the European Crane Working Group (ECWG)
The French Crane Network |
|
|
A protected but nevertheless vulnerable species |
From the end of the 19th century to the mid-sixties, shooting and drainage
of wetlands (reproduction areas) caused a dramatic drop in bird population.
Since the Common Crane is now a protected species throughout Europe, numbers
are now on increase. At the present time, populations are in good shape
although numbers are fewer and less widespread than in the past. Nowadays,
many dangers threaten the species in several sectors. First and foremost,
reproduction areas, where drainage and overexploitation of Nordic forests
reduce and even eliminate favoured nesting sites. Secondly, during
migration, Common Cranes are exposed to the risk of collision with power
lines. Adverse weather conditions, such as fog or strong winds, also
increase risks of collision, particularly during nocturnal flights. Moreover,
juveniles with less flying experience are more likely to collide with power
lines. The advent of wind turbines is another potential danger needing
careful scruting. Observations carried out on wind farms have revealed the
species is easily startled. Consequently, flights take circuitous routes,
which, taking into account the increase of wind farms on the way, may have
repercussions on satisfactory migratory flight progress. Furthermore,
collision with wind turbines is an additional potential hazard. Among the
different dangers, the increase in tourism is the main trouble on stop-over
and wintering sites. The observation of birds feeding, must in no way
provoke their taking flight. It is essential to maintain an adequate
distance : a vital factor for the birds’tranquillity. During the Spring
migration, birds are scared away by farmers wanting to protect their young
crops. The damage caused is a real problem even if the extent may vary
considerably from one year to another. The main action used to limit the
damage is the introduction of “safe zones”, where the Common Cranes are free
to feed (stubble, fallow fields, grain feeding, etc…).
|
|
|
Ringed Common Cranes : what’s new? |
Every year, large numbers of Common Cranes are ringed on their
nesting sites, in order for more to be learned about this species and to provide
better protection. Accordingly, each Common Crane is individually identified.
Colours used are white, yellow, red, dark green, light blue and black. Ring(s)
on the left leg indicate(s) the origin of the bird, each country possessing a
distinctive colour. |
|
| The network observations cover the whole country, thus leading to an accurate overview of the principal migratory route of Common Cranes in France, as can be seen on the map 6. During the 2002/2003 season, 76 departments each provided at least one spotting, 32 departments totalling more than 10 days’ continuous observation of the bird. | ||
|
|
||
|
Conception et réalisation : Aurélien DESCHATRES, Emmanuel LE
ROY |
||
|
2002 : Postnuptial migration Wintering 2002-2003 2003 : Prenuptial migration |
||
|
|
|
