Cranes Migration in Skåne’s Pulken
In mid-April, I found myself at Pulken, a nature reserve located in the enchanting Vattenriket in Skåne. It was somewhat serendipitous, as our trip to southern Sweden was initially planned to participate in the annual art tour (Kunstrunde). However, when the opportunity to see the cranes presented itself, I couldn’t resist, and I was eager to experience the annual migration, where migratory birds rest here before continuing their journey northward. Unfortunately, I had only brought along my Sony 70-200 mm GM2 lens, having left my 200-600 mm lens at home.
Already on the way to the area, we could spot many cranes in the fields and flying overhead. However, upon arrival at the bird tower, we were greeted by an impressive sight – around 6,500 cranes gathered in the fields in front of us.
Pulken is situated 15-20 km south of Kristianstad and is part of the natural area known for its many lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Pulken is renowned for being one of the best places to observe cranes in Skåne in March-April, as it serves as a perfect resting place for the tired migratory birds, who seek refuge here in their thousands. Additionally, the cranes are fed here, which contributes to their return year after year.
In Scandinavia, the Crane is a migratory bird, particularly notable for its seasonal presence during the spring and autumn. During the warmer months, it breeds in the northern parts of Scandinavia, often in wetland areas such as marshes, bogs, and meadows.
The Crane is a majestic bird characterized by its long neck, slender legs, and distinctive trumpeting calls. With a wingspan reaching up to 2.4 meters, the Crane is one of the largest bird species in Europe.
Read more about Pulken at Tripadvisor.com