A Sky Full of Cranes / Tour November 2021
We start this birding tour at Lake Der-Chantecoq in France at the end of the morning this Friday. Jérémy meets our 4 guests who are very motivated at the idea of being able to admire the tens of thousands of Common Cranes that stop in the region during their migration. It’s a first time for them.
We explore a first good birding spot on the edge of Lac du Der where we can observe some first species and have a good picnic. With the sun setting early at this time of year, we then head straight to a favorable spot to observe the passage of the Common Cranes returning to the lake to spend the night. While positioning themselves at the edge of the lake, some birds pass just above us.
Photo Jérémy Gremion
That day, the cranes returned to the dormitory quite late. The light was already dim enough, but the spectacle was still impressive. And we were lucky enough to see an adult White-tailed Eagle fly by in the distance!
After that we went to the restaurant for dinner. Ideal for warming up and having fun. Everyone feasted!
On the second day, we set off east of Lac du Der where we witness the departure of the Common Cranes towards the fields from a footbridge. Magnificent winter atmospheres embellish this incredible spectacle. That morning, there are a lot of cranes. We can also observe impressive quantities of Eurasian Curlew and Greylag Geese. Our participating photographers take great pleasure in photographing all these birds that come from all sides and offer endless possibilities for composition: close-up photos in flight, mood photos with a beautiful landscape, artistic blurs, etc. The morning is memorable!
Photo Jérémy Gremion
We then decide to explore the surrounding fields to observe the Common Cranes foraging. We find few cranes, but a lot of Roe deer!
Photo Jérémy Gremion
Photo Jérémy Gremion
We quickly pass a pond that has an observatory, but it's dead calm. Very few birds to report.
The sunset is beautiful. Again, the experience is magnificent. You can't get enough of such a spectacle!
Photo Jérémy Gremion
For the third and last day, we return to the same place as the day before to observe the sunrise and the departure of the cranes. Superb group take-offs and passages above us punctuate this first part of the day. Many birds pass very close to us. Our guests are amazed.
Photo Jérémy Gremion
We then return to our hotel for breakfast. It is located 3 minutes walk from Lac du Der. Ideal!
We then head west to explore the Champagne countryside. At first glance, everything is quite calm. But eventually we find a group of over 2000 Common Cranes in a field. Our guide Jérémy explains to the guests the importance of not getting too close to be sure not to disturb them (lear more about our vision and our ethics). Indeed, it is by respecting wild fauna that nature offers us its greatest gifts.
On the way back to Montier-en-Der, we observe another group, smaller in number of individuals but much closer to the road. By staying in the car, our guests can experience an exceptional moment of observation and take magnificent images of these majestic birds.
Photo Jérémy Gremion
Photo Jérémy Gremion
We then have lunch in a pizzeria to end this fantastic birding tour at Lac du Der. Once again, the Common Cranes were there, and once again, we had the extraordinary privilege of observing them.
Jonathan
Guide Salva Fauna
