# Crane migration patterns and avian flu risks in Germany

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/crane-migration-patterns-in-germany
> Updated: 2026-09-22T02:31:24.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 3.

Large numbers of cranes are gathering at major resting sites across Germany in preparation for autumn migration. Experts anticipate that between 200,000 and 300,000 cranes will rest in the country simultaneously by October, with over 400,000 birds expected to fly over the region. Climate change is reportedly altering migration patterns; due to milder winters, many cranes are now choosing to overwinter in Germany rather than traveling to the Iberian Peninsula or France. This shift has reduced the average migration distance for ringed cranes from 1,700 kilometers to 500 kilometers over the last twenty-five years.

As the migration progresses, sporadic stops have been recorded at locations such as the Kelbra Reservoir on the border of Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. While experts expect the peak of the migration to occur in late September, there are ongoing concerns regarding population numbers following a significant avian flu outbreak at the Kelbra site last year.

In light of the current migration, experts from the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) are warning of an increased risk of avian influenza (H5N1) outbreaks. The risk is noted as particularly high at sites like the Kelbra Reservoir, where thousands of cranes are expected to rest. Following previous outbreaks that resulted in thousands of crane deaths and the culling of hundreds of thousands of livestock, the FLI is advising poultry farmers to strictly adhere to biosecurity measures. The institute warns that the virus can be spread through contaminated shoes, clothing, equipment, vehicles, feed, or water, emphasizing that maintaining hygiene between outdoor areas, stables, and feed storage is critical to preventing transmission to domestic flocks.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-22: Avian influenza risk rises during crane migration in Germany

Experts warn of rising avian influenza (H5N1) risks during the autumn crane migration, particularly near the Kelbra Reservoir, urging strict biosecurity for poultry farmers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/avian-influenza-risk-rises-during-crane-migration-in-germany

### 2026-09-08: Cranes begin autumn migration at Kelbra Reservoir

Common cranes have begun migrating through Germany, with peak numbers expected at the Kelbra Reservoir starting in late September. Volunteers are being sought to help monitor the population.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cranes-begin-autumn-migration-at-kelbra-reservoir

### 2026-09-03: Germany prepares for major crane migration as climate shifts behavior

Cranes are gathering in northeastern Germany for autumn migration, with over 400,000 expected to fly over. Milder winters are causing more birds to overwinter in Germany rather than migrating south.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-prepares-for-major-crane-migration-as-climate-shifts-behavior

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Cite as: Crane migration patterns and avian flu risks in Germany. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/crane-migration-patterns-in-germany