Crane Migration in Burgenland: Brief Visit with a Long Tradition

Thousands of cranes are currently resting on the eastern shore of Lake Neusiedl on their way to their winter quarters. There were about 9,000 at the beginning of the week, the most so far this autumn, explained Harald Grabenhofer from the Neusiedl Lake National Park. The conditions they find in Seewinkel this year are not as ideal as last year, as there has been little rainfall since the summer.

Cranes Make Stopover at Lake Neusiedl

In Burgenland, most of the birds stay for only a few days, then continue south or west - unless there is strong wind from that direction, in which case they spontaneously stay a bit longer. The birds that come to Burgenland originate from the Hortobágy Puszta in eastern Hungary. Around 140,000 were counted there this year, and about a tenth of them travel on through Austria. A very small part overwinters at Lake Neusiedl. However, Grabenhofer estimates that there are at most 100.

Moist Meadows Ideal Sleeping Places

Last year, the area was wetter, and cranes were also sighted at the Lange Lacke. This is not the case this year, as it is currently dry. Rain - and there has been too little of it since the summer - alone fills the ponds, but their substrate is also important to retain the water.

Cranes find ideal sleeping places on meadows near Lake Neusiedl that are slightly flooded, as they are safe from predators there. Outside the breeding season, they feed on a vegetarian diet. During rearing, they also need insects as a protein source.

"Impressive Soundscape"

The bird migration can be observed - and heard - until December. From mid-November, however, the number of cranes decreases significantly. Currently, according to Grabenhofer, they are providing an "impressive soundscape".

(APA/Red)

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