The flight of the crane across France

AT this time of year people living in France roughly from the south west corner to the north east will spot a real wonder of nature.

The migratory route of the crane (la grue) from Spain to northern Europe sees the birds cross over France, and the massive flocks high in the sky are a real sight to see.

In the past few days a couple of members of the Dreaming of SWFrance news list wrote that they had seen the birds, which many consider a first sign of spring.

It is estimated that there are around 160,000 birds in the west of Europe and when migrating fly at an altitude of between 200m and 1km.

For more details take a look at the European Crane Working Group.