Cranes in
France
Migration and wintering
2003-2004
2003 : Postnuptial migration
Wintering : 2003/2004
Prenuptial migration 2004
Prenuptial migration 2004
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Cranes in
France |
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Prenuptial migration 2004 |
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| The first two flights heading towards the north-east were reported on January 25th 2004 in the Loir-et-Cher (41). As usual, spring migration progressed more rapidly than that of the autumn. | ||
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Random movements |
On February 1st 2004, a flight was reported over the department of the Cher
(18), another in the Dordogne (24) and a third in the Aube (10). From
February 2nd onwards, migratory group numbers increased, as for example, 250
in the Nièvre (58) and 200 in the Vienne (86). During this period (January
25th – February 14th), at least one observation was made each day of a
migratory group. In all, approximately 6,000 birds were counted during this time. Whereas, in fact, a total approaching 12,000 Common Cranes had left their sites in Aquitaine. |
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First day of |
The Spring migration took off on a large scale on February 15th : 1,000 Common Cranes migrated to the Dordogne (24), 7,500 to the Haute-Vienne (87) and 600 to the Nièvre (58). A huge flock was observed on the Lachaussée pond in the Meuse (55) involving 1,000 birds in the evening and 1,500 on the following day. A flight of between 40 and 60 birds was also reported in the Seine-Maritime (76). During the following days, the most significant movements took place in Germany, in the Hessen region. During this day alone, the passage of more than 8,000 Common Cranes was observed in France. |
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First dispersed wave |
Between February 24th and March 1st, extremely poor weather conditions (cold and
snow) in Spain, resulted in a build-up of numbers on the Sotonera site (north
Aragon). Remarkably large numbers of birds started arriving around February 21st
and 22nd. In France, the largest groups on active migration during this period
were observed in the Nièvre (58) with 1,655 birds on February 25th and 530 on
the 28th. On the same day, the passage of at least 280 birds was reported in the
Haute-Vienne (87) and on the following day 181 were observed in the Yonne (89). It is extremely difficult to assess the number of Common Cranes involved in this small wave but it is estimated that at least 8,000 birds were concerned. |
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Second more intensive wave |
Approximately 8,100 Common Cranes arrived over the Poteau military
base (33/40) from late afternoon on March 2nd. More than 6,500 birds landed on
this site, the majority leaving the following day. |
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Map 5 : Total number of Common cranes
during the first wave |
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The end of migration |
On March 15th, 2,960 Common Cranes were on the Der lake (51/52). Late stop-overs were recorded in the Aisne (02), in the Bas-Rhin (67), in the Cher (18), in the Haute-Vienne (87) and in the Haut-Rhin (68). On April 6th, 36 birds landed in Puydarrieux (65). The last Common Crane was seen on May 14th in the Aube (10). |
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Overview 2003/2004 |
The number of prenuptial migrants amounted to at least 164,000 birds. This figure includes the sum total of waves previously analysed as well as smaller complementary waves. This estimation reflects the regular increase in the recorded population, following the introduction of appropriate protection measures for this species. | |
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Migration in Champagne-Ardenne |
 As
a general rule, this migration period can be assessed as a classic example
for this region. The first report concerning 3 Common Cranes in
Champagne-Ardenne was made on June 30th 2003 on the Der lake. On October
14th, numbers totalled 16,000. The second wave took place on October 23rd
and 24th. Consequently, on the morning of October 24th, no less than 35,000
Common Cranes were reported on the lake. At the beginning of November,
numerous satellite roosting sites were building up around the main site on
the lake itself. On November 2th, the Common Cranes were slow to leave the
little island roosts, taking at least 11/2 hours : an unheard-of event! The
lakes in the Aube were hosts to 1,800 birds on November 5th and regular
migration continued until mid-November. Favourable weather conditions
enabled departures from the Champagne wetlands to be offset by arrivals of
birds from Germany. Between 14,000 and 20,000 birds remained until the end of November but departures started to increase around December 10th, numbers dropping sharply, so that only a little more than 1,400 birds were still on the Der lake on December 21st. Such a small number was last observed as far back as in Autumn 1987, when the total world population of Common Cranes was much smaller. A restricted number of birds remained on the Der lake until the beginning of February (less than 900 on the 1st). Low wintering figures were due to the termination of agro-environmental measures as explained above. Throughout the month, bird numbers rose regularly, but poor weather conditions (fog) made counting difficult. At the beginning of March, large groups of Common Cranes were back in Champagne-Ardenne: 18,000 birds were counted on March 4th and 20,000 on the 7th. Subsequently, migration came rapidly to a close and by March 31st, the last count revealed only 64 Common Cranes remaining on the Der lake.
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Questions & Answers about the Common Crane |
Why do Common Cranes often fly in a
V-formation or in a line formation ? |
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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. 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…) | |
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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 |
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| 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 2003/2004 season, 73 departments each provided at least one spotting, 27 departments totalling more than 10 days’ continuous observation of the bird. | ||
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Conception et réalisation : Aurélien DESCHATRES, Emmanuel LE
ROY |
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2003 : Postnuptial migration Wintering : 2003/2004 Prenuptial migration 2004 |
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