Cranes begin autumn migration at Kelbra Reservoir

Common cranes (Grus grus) have begun making sporadic stops at the Kelbra Reservoir on the border of Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia as they migrate toward their winter quarters. While small groups have already arrived, experts from the Landscape Conservation Association Südharz/Kyffhäuser expect the peak of the migration spectacle to occur starting in late September.

The Kelbra Reservoir is one of Germany’s largest resting sites for cranes, with up to tens of thousands of birds stopping there daily during the height of the autumn migration. The association is currently seeking volunteers to assist with counting the birds to help document population numbers and site usage.

There is concern regarding the population numbers following a devastating avian flu outbreak last year that killed thousands of birds at the site. However, officials anticipate a more positive experience for observers and volunteers this year, noting that the area also attracts various rare migratory birds.