| One of the most fascinating events for nature lovers is the crane migration in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Every year in Autumn in the area around Rügen and the Zingst peninsula over 50,000 cranes, mostly from Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, gather for a long rest before starting out on the long flight to their winter quarters, principally in Spain. Cranes are accomplished and indefatigable fliers. The flocks of cranes reach Spain, good weather permitting, after a non-stop flight lasting some 30 hours. That means an average speed of 36 - 40 m.p.h all the way to their winter roost in Spain (Lagune Galloconta). | |
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These large, majestic birds
are regarded by many people as the symbol of long life.They nest in marshes where they
build flat nests on the ground. The brood generally numbers 1-2 eggs and the young hatch
in about 4 weeks. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is home to some 1200 breeding pairs. |