The cranes

Twice a year, when the great migrations come around, the lac du Der and the lakes of the Forêt d'Orient are the setting for a dazzling show orchestrated by cranes.

With a wingspan of 2 m for a weight of 4 to 6 kg, the crane is one of the largest birds in Europe. With its grey plumage, its long neck and large feet, it boasts a rare elegance. The adult is distinguished by the black and white contrast on the neck and by its head, which is marked with a bright red spot.

In autumn, they leave northern European and their Scandinavian peat bogs to reach Spain and the Gallocanta lagoon to take up their winter quarters. Each year, tens of thousands of cranes stop off around the Lac du Der and the lakes of the Forêt d'Orient. The lakes allow the birds to rest and replenish their energy before going on to complete the second part of their migration. The spectacle is truly grandiose when, in the early morning, thousands of cranes leave the lake in a ceaseless clamour to go in search of food in the fields nearby.

In March, when the birds return, the show begins again. This period is ideal for observing them. For the occasion, bird watching outings are organised in the company of nature guides. It is an opportunity to find out more about the crane, the "Queen of the lakes".  

Each year, no fewer than 40,000 cranes are observed on the lakes of Champagne-Ardenne.