Did you know? – Cranes in northeast Spain
Cranes at Gallocanta lagoon. Photo by Marten van Dijl. Visit his website here.
The spring passage of Cranes in northeast Spain takes place from the latter half of February to the end of March, or more rarely into early April.
In autumn the largest influx of Cranes is from the end of October and in November, with the last birds passing through in early December.
In Catalunya flocks of more than 100 birds are uncommon.
Gallocanta in Aragón channels the passage of virtually the whole of the Western European population of the Common Crane, with up to 60,000 birds recorded together in late October and a pre-nuptial maximum of some 30,000 birds in mid-February.
Birds heading northwards in the spring often stop off at Sotonera before crossing the Pyrenees. Gatherings of more than 14,000 Cranes have been recorded here, principally between mid-February and mid-March.
Gurelur Bird migration centre, at the Alto de Ibañeta (1,057m), is situated at one of the most popular mountain passes in the Pyrenees for watching the autumn passage of Cranes. The centre is open from July 1st to the end of November.
Reference and further information: Where the birds are in northeast Spain
Where to stay and watch the Cranes:
Gallocanta – Allucant
Sotonera – Hospedería de Loarre
Alto de Ibañeta – Navarra Selección
2 Responses to “Cranes in Spain flock over mountain and plain”
I saw a group of six grey cranes grazing in a field in San fulgencio, Alicante on 27 th JAnuary, surely this is very unusual.
I saw a pair of grey cranes in a field in Camp de Guardamar this morning at 10.00 am. Really a pleasure to watch.
Leave a Reply