crane migration
To the south
Cranes leave their nesting areas in late summer and the southern tip of Sweden during October-November.
Two routes...
The cranes follow two important routes: The main route goes between lakes Vänern and Vättern. The most important resting area is by Lake Hornborgasjön in Västergötland County. Here, observers can enjoy the spectacle of some 7,000 cranes gathering in October. After resting and feeding, they continue on their way toward the Skåne region.
...over Sweden...
The other route is to the east, along the Baltic coast. The largest resting area is on the island of Öland where, in October, 3,000 cranes graze on the stubble-fields.
...to Spain
From Skåne and Öland, the cranes head southwest toward Germany and France, pausing at several resting areas along the way. Their final destination is Spain, where they spend the winter.
