Photos: tens of thousands of migrating cranes fly across France
The birds can be seen passing from the north-east to the south-west of the country
Cranes can be spotted flying across France this autumn as migration season peaks
Francis Philippe/Shutterstock
Tens of thousands of cranes are making their way south across France as migration season peaks, with flocks of photos posted on social media tracking their journey.
These majestic birds begin their migration from as early as the end of July, to pass the winter months in warmer climates in south-west France, Spain and even north Africa.
Cranes, known in French as grues cendrées, can travel as far as 2,500 km during migration, flying in a Y or V shape, and their long journey usually includes several stops.
People in France have shared photos and videos of the cranes on social media, capturing their beautiful flight formations and squawking chants.
Flocks of cranes at Lac du Der (Grand-Est)
The large, grey, long-necked birds often touch down in Lac du Der (Marne), in the north-east of France.
This is a popular spot for cranes to make a stop on their migration journey, attracting admirative bird watchers and local residents.
Spotted in Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Cranes have also been seen in the skies over the department of Limousin and other areas in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
The last migratory birds usually pass through at the beginning of December, so there is still time to spot them this year as they make their way south-west.
Migrating cranes will head northwards again after the winter, peaking around the final week of February and into March.
Increased bird flu risk
Alongside these social media posts celebrating the arrival of the cranes are warnings against the spread of bird flu.
The risk level for highly pathogenic avian influenza (a particular and serious form of bird flu) has been raised to ‘high’ across France.
Between 500 and 1,000 cranes died last week at the Lac du Der (see above), reports a regional branch of France3.
“Every day, at least 50 birds are removed from around the lake,” said Francis Guidou, head of l’Office Français de la Biodiversité (OFB).
“Around 40,000 cranes have already stopped off at the Lac du Der and we know that this represents around a quarter of the total migratory population expected to pass through,” he added.
Once infected with H5N1 (an influenza virus subtype), cranes generally die within 48 hours of showing symptoms.
There are currently no treatments or vaccinations to protect the birds against the virus.
People are advised not to touch dead or sick birds although preventive measures such as hand washing are effective in protecting against contamination.
Members of the public owning poultry or captive birds should bring them indoors, and any dead wild birds should be reported to the town hall or the OFB.
