There are few more emotional sights in nature than Cranes flying South for Winter. The above was last Saturday.
They fly very high and very slowly. Their soulful cries announce their passing, and as soon as we hear them, we look up and wave goodbye.
Just a few days ago I also saw a small group of Storks flying over. They fly much faster, and remain quiet.
So, they've had enough of Europe for another year. They go down to Morocco, or further South, then return in Spring as the weather begins to warm.
It won't be long before we start lighting fires; our version of 'flying South'.
This is a wonderful sight. How special to be able to see this every year.
ReplyDeletecheers, parsnip and badger
I can't really explain why, but it's always an extremely emotional sight.
DeleteSome of them come here, It is sad and happy at the same time.
ReplyDeleteWe wave at them and wish them a safe journey. In Spring we wave again, and welcome them back.
DeleteWonderful sight and sound.
ReplyDeleteYou can hear them coming minutes before they appear. Wonderful.
DeleteI've only seen a flight of honking geese in that v formation once, in England. Never forgotten sight and sound.
ReplyDeleteI saw one line stork a month ago which was most unusual for this area though they must pass close by when leaving northern Greece.
Marvellous
The few Storks we saw flying over here were the first we'd seen. Not as spectacular as the Cranes, but nice to see.
DeleteWonderful and a bit sad. I doubt I shall ever see that sight again.
ReplyDeleteWe usually only see a few lots going over. This one was relatively small.
DeleteWe saw a skein, or wedge, of geese go across the sky in the distance yesterday afternoon. A wonderful sight and one for Sue to look out for over Lincs.
ReplyDeleteEvery area has its own spectacle. We occasionally see Ducks flying in formation. Lots of Egrets here at the moment, but I think they are resident.
DeleteWe who live near The Wash here in the UK are truly very lucky.
DeleteI saw a pair of swans flying high overhead this morning. They were heading South too.
ReplyDeleteWe've just this minute seen another 4 Storks heading due South.
DeleteSuch a beautiful sight Cro, and, as you say, the first real sign that winter is on its way
ReplyDeleteSadly, we can't go with them.
DeleteI'm very used to seeing Canada Geese flying overhead. They are very noisy, you can't miss them, and always in V formation at this time of year. Now I have learned that other birds also fly in a V. I had no idea that cranes and storks did that, as I've only seen solitary cranes flying. -Jenn
ReplyDeleteCranes always fly in a V formation, but the Storks are a bit more 'relaxed'.
DeleteI love seeing skeins of geese flying over on their way south. Such a wonderful sight. How amazing birds are!
ReplyDeleteAnd they always know exactly where to go. I wish I could say the same.
DeleteThey are pretty amazing. I follow a website that shows bird summer and winter migration here. We have had many geese fly over in formation. In Sept., we have ruby throated hummingbirds heading south. They become markers of the seasons.
ReplyDeleteNothing as exotic as Ruby Throated Hummingbirds over here. I think our most beautiful resident bird is the Hoopoe, but I didn't see any this year.
DeleteOur English cranes in Somerset see no need to leave the levels, they disdain the tripper mentality of their European cousins.
ReplyDeleteThey're probably addicted to traffic fumes. Hooked on Somerset.
DeleteWe get to see many of those formations in our sky. However, it does not mean the Canadian geese that we have here are flying south anymore. According to those that know, they are losing their migratory habits and we are overpopulated with them. Even they are getting lazy.
ReplyDeleteHeck, if I had wings, or a ticket to anywhere, I would go to a warmer, sunnier climate during the dark cold months.
Canada Geese are also very polluting. They can be a menace. I don't think they make good eating either.
DeleteJust seen three Vs forming into one large V over us. They were all shouting to each other to keep up!
ReplyDeleteFlying to the SW at 17.30 Dordogne Time.
We kept an eye out; they must have taken a slight diversion.
DeleteWe were in Morayshire last weekend...apparently there were more geese flying than for many years...skein after skein..like with the cranes, a sight and sound that gets to the heart
ReplyDeleteIt does, doesn't it. It still puzzles me why I find it so emotional.
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