Where: Horngorgasjön and all over Sweden
When: Spring and summer
What: Welcoming the cranes
I remember two years ago, sometime in April, when we were exploring our new Swedish surroundings. We were driving past a field and spotted two enormous birds. At first, we thought they were emus haha, we had no clue!
THE CRANE MIGRATION
Every spring, huge numbers of cranes (called 'Tranor' in Swedish) migrate from Spain's Extremadura, where they've spent the winter with hundreds of thousands of others, to Sweden. In western Sweden, roughly 140 km from Gothenburg, there's a shallow lake called Horngorgasjön. In April, tens of thousands of cranes gather there to perform a spectacular dance.
HORNGORASJÖN
The event attracts many bird enthusiasts from all over the world. Around that time, Instagram explodes with beautiful photos from nature photographers who have gathered by the lake to capture this spectacle of fluid successive bows, jumps, and pirouettes. With this dance, the birds attract mates, define their territory, and strengthen social bonds. Cranes are monogamous; pairs stay together for life.
After a few weeks, when all the dances have been danced and all the bonds have been established, the cranes continue their journey to the north of Scandinavia, where they spend the rest of the summer nesting and breeding. Often, they only have one chick that leaves the nest before it can fly.
CRANES HERALD SPRING
Everyone is delighted when the cranes return because it's not just beautiful to see these remarkable birds and their dance, but it also means that the long winter is coming to an end and spring is here.
In ancient times, the striking return migration of these birds was also observed, and cranes were seen as the bringers of light in the spring. Various myths arose around the bird, and the call of the birds was the signal for farmers to start plowing the fields.
HOW TO SPOT A CRANE?
Here in Västerås and the surrounding areas, these majestic birds can also be seen al lot in spring. The first thing you'll notice is how large they are; measuring 95 to 120 centimeters in height and with a wingspan of 1.8 to 2 meters, cranes are larger than storks! Cranes are mostly gray-blue with a black head that is white on the sides. Noticeable are the distinctive red spot on the head and the red eyes. Towards the ostrich-like tail, the feathers turn black.
Often, you'll hear cranes before you see them because they produce a far-reaching cacophony of calls that sounds like a mix between the sound of a goose and an elephant to me. The lifespan of cranes can vary depending on the species and environmental factors, but some species can live for several decades, however they usually live to be around 17 years old.
Cranes are omnivores. Depending on what's available at the time, they feed on worms, large insects, small mammals, amphibians, as well as corn, grains, and potatoes. Sometimes, this is aided by agreements between nature organizations and local farmers.
Cranes and spring are inseparable here in Sweden. I highly recommend heading out in April to spot these remarkable animals.
HELPFUL LINKS:
More information about the crane dance at Hornborgasjön:
Accommodations and facilities at Hornborgasjön:
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