looduskalender.ee

Farmers have managed to collect their grain crops during the last few weeks, and times and weather make the heralds of autumn's beginning to start their migration. The most important gathering areas are of course in Matsalu, but also in Lahemaa. Arne’s photo nicely shows a crane family and their individual characteristics.

They continue to feed here in Estonia until they depart, in September-October, to winter quarters for instance in North Africa. Food is mostly plant material, but when found, insects, frogs and snakes too. The cranes are such majestic and symbol-laden birds that we will surely have more to say about them before the cold days arrive.