José Antonio Román Álvarez (coordinator) · ~Selgua: Carlos Perallón Romero, Eloy Alfaro Cordera ~Ventorrillo: Alberto Bueno Mir. ~Clamor Vieja: José Damián Moreno Rodríguez,

2016/17 Phenology and Distribution of the Common Crane (Grus grus) in Spain

José Antonio Román Álvarez (coordinator) 1

2016/17 PHENOLOGY & DISTRIBUTION OF

THE COMMON CRANE, (Grus grus), IN SPAIN

José Antonio Román Álvarez (coordinator)



PARTICIPANTS

Undertaking the censuses and producing this report would not have been possible without

the effort of the 231 people who took part in the coordinated censuses, counting 160 sites

in Spain, and who are listed below.

We wish to record our most sincere thanks and congratulations to all the census

participants for the work done, and to all those people who have shared and reported their

observations during the migration periods. I also want to thank especially José Mª Álvarez

Leal for his invaluable help creating the regional distribution maps, as well as Antonio Mª

Sánchez Condefor creating the migration maps; Carlos M. Cruz, with whom we coordinated

the censuses in Portugal and the Portuguese colleagues who participated; and Neil

Renwick for translating this report into English.

NAVARRA: Coordination: Jesús MariLekuona Sánchez: ~Dos Reinos lagoon, Pitillas lagoon, Arguedas rice field, Mueda, Zolina and Loza e Iza pools: Jesús Mari Lekuona Sánchez, Juan Carlos Lorenzo, David Arranz, Inés Rodríguez, Itziar Almárcegui, Daniel García, Javier Sola, Haritz Saraza, David Mikeleiz, Montse Gorria, José Ardaiz, Alberto Artázcoz ARAGÓN:

Coordination: Aragón: Antonio Torrijo Pardos. -Huesca: ~Alberca de Alboré/Sotonera reservoir: Francisco Javier Quesada Gaibar., Pablo Vallés, Silvia Duque ~Selgua: Carlos Perallón Romero, Eloy Alfaro Cordera ~Ventorrillo: Alberto Bueno Mir. ~Clamor Vieja: José Damián Moreno Rodríguez, Jesús Lavedán Rodríguez. ~Castelflorite: José Damián Moreno Rodríguez. -Teruel:

~Cañizar lagoon: Miguel Ángel Martín Arnau, Fernando Salas Pérez, Felipe Rosado Romero, Ángel Martín Arnau, Carmen Liberos Saura ~Valbona reservoir: David Cayuela López ~Pajazo reservoir: Pilar Edo Hernández. ~El Balsón (Ojos Altos): Antonio Torrijo Pardos. ~Arquillo reservoir: Emilio Bobed Berdegal, Ángel Gimeno Sacristán, Nacho Perruca,Felipe Rosado Romero, Ángel Martín Arnau, Carmen Liberos Saura ~Balsa del Pinar:Emilio Bobed Berdegal, Ángel Gimeno Sacristán, Nacho Perruca ~Bezas lagoon: Emilio Bobed Berdegal, Ángel Gimeno Sacristán, Nacho Perruca ~Tortajada lagoon: Emilio Bobed Berdegal, Ángel Gimeno Sacristán, Nacho Perruca ~Lechago reservoir: José Miguel Pueyo Soler. ~Pancrudo river: José Miguel Pueyo Soler. ~Santed salt pit: Antonio Torrijo Pardos. ~ Mijares river/Ojos de Babor: Antonio Torrijo Pardos. ~Alcañiz salt pit: Esther Yera Posa, Francisco J. Moreno Monge, Juan L. Muñoz Pérez.



-Zaragoza: ~Gallocanta: S.A.R.G.A (Departamento de Desarrollo Rural y Sostenibilidad del Gobierno de Aragón). Francisco Javier SampietroLatorre, Enrique Pelayo Zueco, Elvira BallestínCantín, Pilar Vicente Ballestín, Luis Javier Vicente Ballestín, Demetrio Vidal Agustín, Juan Monros González, Antonio Torrijo Pardos. ~Santa Anastasia: Héctor BintanelCenis, Gonzalo Deán, Sergio González. ~Valdecenicera: Manuel Galán Subias. ~Turruquiel: Juan Deán Pinedo ~Plano Buena Vista: Francisco Javier Sampietro Latorre, Juan Gómez Valenzuela. ~Sopeña: Diego Villanua Inglada, Lander Goñi. ~Caserío de Arana: José Antonio Pinzolas ~Malvecino reservoir: Diego Villanua Inglada ~Güialguerrero lagoon: Sabi Martínez Ordás, Antonio Torrijo Pardos. ~El Planerón: Oscar Mañero Marín, Manuel Galán Subias. ~Valereña rice field: Diego Villanua Inglada, Álvaro Bertolo, Ignacio Arrospide. ~Almochuel reservoir: Bruno Durán ~El Bolar: Manuel Galán Subías ~Piña-Los Cartujos reservoir: José Manuel Sánchez ~Tranquera reservoir: Jordi Pérez Muñoz. CATALUNYA: -Girona: ~Castelló d’Empuries (Aigüamolls de l’ Empordá): Glòria Rosas Carrión ~Riumors rice fields: Ramón Aguilar -Lleida:

~Ivars pond, Jean Rodríguez -Tarragona:

~Mirador de l’Embut: Josep Bel. LA RIOJA:

~Hervías lagoon, Sartaguda and other localities: Jesús Ucha, Miguel Ángel Marín, Andrés Armendariz, José M Ochagavía, Pilar Azpiroz, Juan San Martín, Jaime Bravo Barriuso, Daniel Pérez, Fernando G., Alberto Parada, Andrés Bernard, Leandro Arroyo Delgado, Daniel Mogica, Lidia Roncero, Oscar Gutiérrez, Pablo Tascón, David Mazuelas, Jorge Esquerro, Óscar Zuazo, Andrés de la Torre, Ignació Gámez, Centro de Recuperación de Fauna, La Fombera, Gobierno de la Rioja, Javier Robres, Sandra Vela, Lida Roncero COMUNITAT VALENCIANA: Coordination: Enrique Luque (Ecologistes en Acció de Vinarós) -Castelló: ~Almenara marsh Víctor J. Hernández ~Jana lagoon: Deborah Fandos Fernández, Felip Redo Jornaler, Berto Gil, Paco Martín Lorenzo, Quique Luque. ~Salzadella lagoon: Deborah Fandos Fernández, Felip Redo Jornaler, Berto Gil, Paco Martín Lorenzo, Quique Luque ~San Mateo lagoon: Deborah Fandos Fernández, Felip Redo Jornaler, Berto Gil, Paco Martín Lorenzo, Quique Luque



~Marjal o Prat de Peñíscola: Deborah Fandos Fernández, Felip Redo Jornaler, Berto Gil, Paco Martín Lorenzo, Quique Luque -Valencia: ~Sueca (L’Albufera): J.L. Terrasa ~Racó de l’Olla (L’Albufera) Samuel Aunión Díaz -Alacant: ~Los Carrizales (El Hondo reservoir): Sergio Arroyo, Miguel Ángel Andrés, Jana Marcos Tresserras. ~Santa Pola salt: Antonio Jacobo Ramos ILLES BALEARS: Coordination: G.O.B -Mallorca: ~Sa Pobla: Jaume García-Delgado: ~Salobrar: Jordi Muntaner, Pere Garcías, David García, Andrés Mas. ~Prat de Sant Jordi: Pedro van der Knoop, Josep Manchado, Andreu Guardiola, Xesca Riera, Mika Palmer -Eivissa:

~Ses Salines d’Eivissa: Oliver Martínez CASTILLA y LEÓN: -Soria: ~Monteagudo de las Vicarías reservoir: Antonio Torrijo Pardos. Juan Luis Hernández ~Borobia, Ciria and Valdehalcones lagoons: Antonio Torrijo Pardos -Segovia:

~Cantalejo lagoons: Juan Matute de Toro, Álvaro Martín Zarzuela. -Palencia:

~La Nava lagoon: Fernando Jubete Tazo, -Zamora:

~Villafáfila: Coordination: Mariano Rodriguez Alonso; Mariano Rodríguez Alonso, Jesús Palacios Alberti, Jesús Domínguez García, Eduardo Vega Rabano, Fernando San José Luengo, Manuel Miñambre Fidalgo, Emilio Álvarez Fernández, Juan Blanco Morán, Pablo Santos Redín, José Miguel San Román Fernández, Ana Martínez Fernández, Manuel Hernández Jaspe, José Luis Gutierrez González, Mª José Rodríguez Ferrero, Vicente Fernández Martínez, Roberto Gómez Mezquita, Carlos Zamora Santiago. -Valladolid: Coordination: Juan Antonio Medina Cuaresma ~La Zarza, Mullidares, La Colada: Juan Antonio Medina Cuaresma, Rafael Herrero Viturtia, David García, -Salamanca: Coordination: Ángel González Mendoza ~River Lobos weir: Ángel González Mendoza ~Santa Teresa reservoir: Pedro Luis Ramos Bueno, José Vicente Sánchez, Alejandro del Amo, Ángel García, Mayra I. del Amo, César Prieto Gil ~Lavajares lagoon: Víctor Coello, Ángel González Mendoza. -Ávila: ~Hoyo lagoon: José María García Jiménez,



~La Colada lagoon: José Antonio García, Juan Antonio Medina Cuaresma ~Garganta Sta María mouth (Rosarito). J. Fernández. P. Machín, P. Serrano. MADRID:

~El Pardo reservoir: Adolfo Rodríguez Pérez. CASTILLA-LA MANCHA:

-Albacete:

~Torrecilla lagoon/Hoya Pelada: Rafael Torralba Zapatero, Jess Stockes, Guillermo García Saúco, Siro González Ortega, Julia Jiménez Gómez. ~Casa Villora: Rafael Torralba Zapatero -Guadalajara:

~Honda, Méndez, Llana lagoons: Demetrio Vidal Agustín, Ángel Soriano Hereña. ~Tordesilos lagoon: Uge Fuertes Sanz, ~Majanos lagoon: Uge Fuerte Sanz -Cuenca:

~Hito lagoon: Adolfo Rodríguez Pérez, Alfredo Mirat López, María Jesús Tarín Notes, José Antono Fimia Fernández. ~Manjavacas lagoon: Antonio Paredes, Yolanda Peñalver, Pedro Jesús Porrero, Noelia Escudero,Vanesa Brito, Iván Ruíz, Pilar Calero. ~Sancho Gómez lagoon: Vanesa Oliveira, MayconSanyvan, Priscila do Santos ~Alarcón reservoir: Jorge Simarro Tórtola, Fernando Alonso Gutiérrez, Jesús M. Evangelio Pinach, Agustín Villodre Carrilero, Nuria Cardo Maeso, Cecilia Díaz Martínez -Toledo:

Coordination: José Luis de la Cruz Alemán (ARDEIDAS) ~Castrejón reservoir: Ángel Velasco García. ~Taray lagoon: Ángel Velasco García. ~Tirez: Ángel Velasco García ~Peñahueca lagoon: Ángel Velasco García ~Rosarito reservoir: DaveLanglois, ARDEIDAS:Alejandro Rodríguez, Francisco Serrano, Juan José Alarcia, Eugenio Garrido, José Manuel Flores, Julio Menéndez, Manuel Salcedo, J.M. Fernández, E. García. ~Navalcán reservoir: José Luis de la Cruz Alemán, Miguel Ángel de la Cruz, Isidro Ortiz, Antonio Rodríguez, Adrián Illescas, Alberto Rodríguez, G. Hernández, D. Álvarez (ARDEIDAS)



ARDEIDAS team

-Ciudad Real: ~Tablas de Daimiel National Park: Manuel Carrasco Redondo, Crescencio Benegas Ruíz, Juan C. Felipe Felipe, Claudio Ruíz Castillo. ~Cabañeros N.P.: Torre de Abraham: Ángel Arredondo, Carlos Rodríguez Vidal, Ángel Gómez Manzaneque, Virginia Torralba Baraja ~Povedas reservoir: Ángel Gómez Manzaneque, Carlos Rodríguez Vidal, Ángel Arredondo, Virginia Torralba Baraja. ~Camino de Villafranca lagoon: Pedro Jesús Suárez Gomaiz, José David Ruiz Ruiz, Pedro Delgado. ~Pajares lagoon: Benito Montiel Moreno, Julio Moyano, Pedro Bustamante ~Salicor lagoon: Antonio Rivas Arias, Julio Moyanol, Pedro Bustamante, Juan Oliet Palá, Luis Felipe Alhambra Molina. ~Boniate: José Mª Álvarez Leal, José A. Román Álvarez ~La Veleta: José Mª Álvarez Leal, José A. Román Álvarez ~Los Quintillos (Alcúdia valley) José Mª Álvarez Leal, José A. Román Álvarez. EXTREMADURA: -Coordination: José Antonio Román Álvarez; -Sector Tajo:

Coordinator of Campo Arañuelo: Manuel Flores Cid de la Rivera ~Valdecañas reservoir: Javier Briz Lazcoiz, Manuel Flores Cid de la Rivera, José Luis Melo, Marcelino Tirado, Amalia Sánchez, Carmen Flores, Gabriel Vidal, Manuel Azabal, alumnos del Ciclo Técnico Superior en Gestión y Organización de los Recursos Naturales y Paisajísticos. ~Cañada del Venero: Sergio Méndez ~El Grullo: Manuel Flores Cid de la Rivera, José Luis Melo ~El Verdugal: Manuel Flores Cid de la Rivera, Marcelino Tirado ~Palancoso lagoon: Manuel Flores Cid de la Rivera, Amelia Hernández.



~Sector Brozas/Alcántara: Manuela Rodríguez Romero, Ángel Rodríguez Martín, Antonio Galán Fariñas, Lucía Beijismit, Jasper Quark, Juan Carlos Núñez Arjona, Helios Dalmau ~Tiétar Valley/Monfragüe: Javier Prieta, Manuel García del Rey, José María Jiménez, Daniel, Isabel, Ana Rojas, Isabel Gallardo, Pepe Guisado, Pilar Goñi ~Gabriel y Galán reservoir: Hugo Sánchez Mateos, Raquel Lozano del Pino, Carlos Díaz Villar, María González Díaz. ~Campazo lagoon: Neil Renwick ~Tozo reservoir: Martin Kelsey ~Tozo/Labradillo river: Jesús Porras ~Arroyo Casillas reservoir: Jesús Porras ~Talaván/Cuatro Lugares: Juan Carlos Núñez Arjona ~Aldea del Cano: Estela Herguido Sevillano, Víctor Giner Santos, Sjoerd Pletersen. ~Borbollón reservoir: Goyo Naharro, José María Hernández, Agustín Iglesias, Vicente Sánchez, Jesús Gonzalo, Miguel Todón, Raúl Granados, José Luis Vázquez ~Valdesalor reservoir/La Generala: Francisco Javier Caballero Álvarez ~Las Seguras: Cecilia Sánchez Villares, ~Cuartón/Tejarejos reservoir: Sergio Mayordomo, Alicia Criado. ~Canchaleja weir and Búrdalo reservoir: Antonio Calvo Búrdalo -Sector Guadiana: ~Canchales reservoir: ADENEX: (Francisco Lopo, Orlando Romero, Francisco Castro, Elvira del Viejo Pinilla, Antonia Cangas, Guillermo Sales) José Luis Bautista Morán, Samuel Hernández, Pedro Ángel Rodríguez, Luis Alfonso Barba, Sergio Pérez ~Las Merinillas: Jacobo Hernández Pulido ~La Albuera: José Mª Álvarez Leal. ~Cornalvo/Cerros Verdes: Raúl Alcantud Caballero. ~El Zangallón: Luis Venâncio, Justo Tarriño, Pedro Schreur, ~Morantes dehesa: José Luis Bautista Morán, Francisco Lopo ~Villalba reservoir: José María Álvarez Leal ~Alange reservoir: José A. Román Álvarez, Marc Gálvez, Luis Salguero Báez. ~Cuncos dehesa: Alfonso Pérez del Barco ~Friegamuñoz (Alqueva reservoir) Alfonso Pérez del Barco ~Arroyo Conejo reservoir: Andrés González Muñoz, Javier González Sánchez, Carmen Gallardo, ~Casas de Reina, La Osa: Luis Salguero Báez, ~Rosal reservoir: Gustavo Gahete, Miguel Corvillo, ~Los Morales/Usagre: José Ángel Sánchez González ~Guadalemar river/Siruela: Rubén Bautista Muñoz, Javier Hernández, Rafael Romero, Carmen de Mera, José María Traverso Martínez, Carmen Galán Novella. ~Almansa/Guadalupejo river: Rubén Bautista Muñoz, Carmen Galán Novella, Jose María Traverso Martínez. ~Orellana reservoir: Jesús Rojas González, José María Traverso Martínez, Rubén Bautista Muñoz, Carmen Galán Novella. ~La Serena: Coordination Manuel Calderón Carrasco Badija, Puerto Mejoral, Almorchón, La Guarda dehesa, Las Torralbas, Zarza Capilla, La Reyerta y Monterrubio: Manuel Calderón Carrasco, Agustín Sanabria Hidalgo, Natalia Franco Tejeda, Yasmina Annichiarico Sánchez, Manuel Maximiano Díaz, (ANSER) ~Yuntas dehesa: Gerardo Pizarro García, Andrea García Teruel ~Las Bodeguillas: Antonio Núñez Ossorio ~Valverde house: Natalia Franco Tejeda, Elena Perera, Yasmina Annicchiarico



-Sector Central Zone: ~S. Guadámez river/Búrdalo river: José A. Román Álvarez, Agustín Giraldo Cansado, Antonio Mª Sánchez Conde, Elvira del Viejo Pinilla, Antonio Mª Ruíz Sánchez, Juan Carlos Núñez Crespo, Agapito J. Verde. ~S. Medellín/Yelbes: Fernando Yuste Ruiz, YasminaAnnicchiarico Sánchez, Natalia Franco Tejeda, Elena Perera, Consuelo Pérez. ~S. Los Guadalperales: José Ángel Sánchez González ~S. Palazuelo/La Mata: Juan Pablo Prieto Clemente ~S. Valdehornillos/Búrdalo: José A. Román Álvarez,José María Benítez Cidoncha. ~S. Villar de Rena/Alcollarín: Jesús Porras, José A. Román Álvarez, José M. Benítez Cidoncha, Antonio Calvo Búrdalo ~S. Acedera/Puercas: José Ángel Sánchez González ~S. Madrigalejo/ Casa Hitos: Martin Kelsey ~S. Moheda /Vegas Altas: Anabel Moreno Fernández, Martin Kelsey ~S. Logrosán/Zarzalejo: Neil Renwick. Anabel Moreno Fernández ~S. Las Rañas-El Alandre: Jesús Rojas González, José María Traverso Martínez, Rubén Bautista Muñoz, Carmen Galán Novella. ANDALUCÍA: -Cádiz: ~La Janda: ArkadiuszBroniarek-Zieba, Manuel Lobón, Alejandro Onrubia Baticón, Chema, Charo. ~Mesas de Asta-Trebujena: Olegario del Junco, Eduardo del Junco, Manuel Barcell, Francisco Solera -Málaga: ~Fuente de Piedra lagoon: Javier Fregenal Díaz, José Antonio Cortés Guerrero, Miguel Domínguez Santaella, Isabel Gómez Carrasco, María del Mar Roca Alonso,Antonio Javier Plaza Bonilla, José Antonio Maldonado Moreno, Diego Jesús Plaza Angulo, Patricia Carvajal Reyes, Fernando Durán Aguilar,Mónica Olmedo Cheli,Gonzalo del Valle Pesquera, Carmen Corrales Ortega, María Martínez de Ubago, Luis Pellicer Ibaseta. ~Guadalhorce and Grande rivers: Antonio Tamayo -Córdoba: ~Colada reservoir:Miguel Ángel Mesa López, Carmen Gutiérrez ~Solana de Guadamatilla: Asunción Pérez Torrico, Antonio Leiva Blanco, Rafael Pinilla, Juan Manuel Delgado, Isabel Rodríguez, Juan de la Cruz, Rocio Peña ~Peñalazorra y Matallana: Miguel Ángel Mesa López, Daniel Ríos, Miguel Rubiano ~Fuente la Zarza: Juan Felipe Flores Moyano. ~Zújar river (La Pizarra): Juan Alcaide Cebrían ~Jardoso reservoir: Juan Manuel Sánchez Esquinas ~Valhondo Campoceruelo reservoir: Juan Manuel Sánchez Esquinas. ~Sierra Boyera reservoir: Asociación de Educación Ambiental el Bosque Animado- FlorentPrunier, Silvia Saldaña, Raquel Valcarell ~Navalespino reservoir: Miguel Corvillo Seco, Gustavo Gahete -Huelva:

~Odiel river: Víctor Fiscal López, ~Tinto river: José Manuel Méndez García.



-Sevilla: ~Cantarita (Marismas del Guadalquivir/Doñana): Rubén Rodríguez Olivares, Luis García (Equipo de Seguimiento de Procesos Naturales de Proceos Naturales ICTS-RBO Estación Biológica de Doñana-CSIC) ~Bucaré dehesa: Francisco Chiclana Moreno. - Doñana N.P. (Sevilla-Huelva): Coordinator: Manuel Máñez Rodríguez.

~Marismillas (PND, Huelva): Alfredo Chico Muñoz (Equipo de Seguimiento de Procesos Naturales ICTS-RBD. Estación Biológica de Doñana-CSIC) ~Caracoles (PND, Sevilla): Antonio Martínez Blanco ((Equipo de Seguimiento de Procesos Naturales ICTS-RBD. Estación Biológica de Doñana-CSIC) ~ Guadiamar Biological Reserve (PND, Sevilla): Manuel Máñez Rodríguez (Equipo de Seguimiento de Procesos Naturales ICTS-RBD. Estación Biológica de Doñana-CSIC) ~Las Nuevas (PND, Sevilla): Luis García Garrido y Rubén Rodríguez Olivares (Equipo de Seguimiento de Procesos Naturales ICTS-RBD. Estación Biológica de Doñana-CSIC) ~Guadiamar Biological Reserve, border of lucio del Lobo Chico (PND, Sevilla): Manuel Máñez Rodríguez (Equipo de Seguimiento de Procesos Naturales ICTS-RBD. Estación Biológica de Doñana-CSIC) ~Guadiamar Biological Reserve, south of FAO (PND, Sevilla): Manuel Máñez Rodríguez (Equipo de Seguimiento de Procesos Naturales ICTS-RBD. Estación Biológica de Doñana-CSIC)

Mati, the juvenile crane from Estonia, spent the winter in Extremadura, carrying a GPS.



INTRODUCTION The common crane (Grus grus) is a bird belonging to the Gruidae family. It is found in Europe, Asia and certain parts of Africa. It breeds in the north of Eurasia, and in low numbers in southern Europe, in countries such as Greece, The Czech Republic, Yugoslavia, Rumania, Denmark and the United Kingdom (PRANGE 1997, 2006, 2007; WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 2002). Important breeding populations in western Europe are found in Scandinavia (especially in Finland, Sweden and Norway), the Baltic countries, Belarus, Poland and Germany, and in western Russia, although it breeds from the Ukraine across to the Manchurian Peninsula. A small population of the subspecies archibaldi breeds in Turkey. A small breeding population naturally re-colonised the Norfolk Broads (eastern England) in the late 20th century, and thanks to a captive rear-and-release programme cranes are now breeding in the wild in south-west England. This is also being done in one area of France, and the population has increased considerably in Germany thanks to proteccion measures and the arrival of beavers, Castor fiber, whose dams help to create flooded areas where cranes make their nests. The crane is a long-distance migrant, which winters primarily in northern Africa and southern Europe and Asia (BERNIS 1966). Autumn migration takes places between August and December and spring migration occurs from the end of February until April. There are important areas which cranes use as staging posts - in Sweden, Germany and Hungary for western populations, and for eastern populations in China and beside the Caspian Sea. The majority of the European population spends the winter in southern Europe, in the dehesas and wetlands of the Iberian Peninsula and in France. (Dehesa: Savannah-like open woodland of widely-spaced holm oak (Quercus ilex) and/or cork oak (Quercus suber) trees, where the ground between them is used for livestock grazing or growing cereal crops). Some of the cranes from European Russia, Finland, the Baltic countries and Belarus spend the winter in the river valleys of Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia and Eritrea, and in lower numbers in Turkey, Israel, Iraq and parts of Iran. A third of the Asian population winters in the Indian subcontinent, including Pakistan. There are also smaller populations of cranes which spend the winter in Burma, Vietnam and Thailand. The other major wintering area is China. It is believed that the Asian population is less than the European, since the population is estimated to be over 120,000 and decreasing, with over 580,000 and increasing in the western population. According to PRANGE ("Cranes of Eurasia", Dauria, Russia, September 2015), the migratory routes and wintering areas are distributed as follows for the populations from Scandinavia, central Europe, Finland, the Baltic countries, Belarus and European Russia: Western Europe: 350,000 individuals (400,000 own data) Baltic Countries / Hungary: 150,000 individuals (N&E Africa) Eastern Europe: 70,000 birds Caucasus and Volga-Iran: 10,000 cranes With regard to the Asian breeding population, in western Siberia, from the Urals to Kazakhstan, there is an estimated population of 80,000/100,000 birds, and in eastern Siberia, northern China and Mongolia, around 20,000. It is a rare visitor to Japan and Korea, usually off-course groups from the Chinese wintering population, and it appears rarely as a vagrant in North America, where it can occasionally be seen with flocks of sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) (TUCKER & HEATH 1994; ARCHIBALD & MEINE 1996).



At the present time the population wintering in Iberia is the species´ most important one at the European-Asian-African level. In autumn more than 270,000 cranes arrive in the Iberian Peninsula from Scandinavia, central Europe and the Baltic countries. Many of these individuals come via Gallocanta lagoon, although there is an older route, still in use, through La Rioja and Tierra de Campos, to reach the south west of the Iberian Peninsula. 64% of the cranes wintering in Europe do so in the Iberian Peninsula, 54% of those choosing to spend the winter months in the Extremenian dehesas. The remainder of the cranes that winter in the peninsula are distributed between Aragón (Gallocanta), Castilla y León (mainly in Salamanca andÁvila); Castilla-La Mancha (Toledo and Ciudad Real) and further south, in the north of Córdoba, Málaga (Fuente de Piedra), Doñana National Park and inLa Janda in Cádiz, as well as areas bordering Portugal (FERNÁNDEZ-CRUZ 1978, 1981; FERNÁNDEZ-CRUZet al. 1987; PRIETA Y DEL MORAL 2008, ROMÁN J.A. et al 2014, MOOSER & WOUTERSEN 2015, ROMAN 2015) and within Portugal (primarily in Alentejo). Others continue their journey into parts of Morocco in northern Africa, occupying various wetlands in the north and centre of the country and reaching the edge of the Sahara desert at the Oued Massa estuary, although this population is apparently in decline and each year more cranes opt to winter in the Iberian Peninsula. Since 1978, irregular censuses of common cranes wintering in Spain (FERNANDEZ CRUZ, ALONSO, ALONSO) have shown the importance of various wetlands in northern Spain during spring migration, such as the Gallocanta lagoon and Sotonera reservoir (ROMÁN J.A. et al, 2014, MOOSER & WOURTESEN 2015, ROMAN 2015). Two coordinated censuses have been taking place ever year since 2013/14.

Distribution and migration routes of the common or Eurasian crane (Grus grus)

https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castilla-La_Mancha

https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Janda

https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C3%A1diz_(provincia)



Until a few years ago we knew about cranes´migration routes from direct observations as they were crossing the different countries, although little was known about the wintering areas in some African countries. As a result of using coloured rings, and colour combinations, initiated and promoted by the Alonso brothers, we have been able to discover the origin of birds wintering in Iberia. With the arrival of new technologies, such as radio transmitters and latterly GPS, we have significantly increased our knowledge of the routes and wintering areas. The migration routes of the western population are divided between two principal routes: to west-south-west Europe and to Africa. Birds from Scandinavia fly to Rügen Island (Germany) at the end of summer, where they gather before heading to the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern area of Germany, where they settle and feed. Here they are joined by birds coming from Poland, the Baltic countries and Finland. Between the middle and end of September they head for the Lac du Der in Chantecoq, France, where they rest. They continue their journey south-west across the country towards Arjuzanx in Landes, Aquitaine, where they may, or may not, take a break before crossing the Pyrenees. They generally use the valleys of Navarra, but also those of Aragón, seeking the Gallocanta lagoon, an obligatory stop for the majority, although some may continue their journey. The next stage heads WSW, stopping at certain reservoirs in Castilla-La Mancha, such as Buendía, to spread out across La Mancha and from here continue to Fuente de Piedra or even occupying the neighbouring areas of Toledo; or to continue towards Salamanca, Zamora and Valladolid. The majority continues to Extremadura, moving through the Cijara valley (although some detour towards the north of the region) to Orellana, reaching the Central Zone of Extremadura, which they use to rest, to feed and as a gateway to spread across Extremadura, Portugal, the north of Cordoba, Doñana and La Janda, from where a few hundred will cross the Straits of Gibraltar to winter in Morocco. Other birds, of Baltic and Finnish origin as well as Belarusian, head for the Hortobagy National Park in Hungary, where numbers can reach 140,000 birds. From here they choose various routes, one eastwards searching for the Bosphorus Straits to cross Turkey and reach Eilat in Israel, a new and important stop. Cranes also come here from Finland, the Baltic republics, Belarus, Russia and the Ukraine, having crossed the Black Sea. They continue migrating, in search of the Nile Valley, following the river until reaching the Tana Lake area of Ethiopia. Another segment from Hortobagy heads towards the Balkans, crossingfrom Croatia to the Italian peninsula and then the Mediterranean to spend the winter in Tunisia and Algeria. Others head for Germany, to the north of the Alps, to connect with the central European contingent. Recently some of the cranes which migrate through northern Italy, instead of travelling down the peninsula, have been heading west, to the south of the Alps, seeking the Camargue, where they will rest, and many will spend the winter, while others head towards Catalunya, to cross the Pyrenees and head for Gallocanta.



Principal crane migration routes in Europe.

During the current winter this route has been convincingly confirmed, thanks to GPS tracking of a Lithuanian family which flew 2,100km in 38 hours without stopovers. After stopping in Hortobagy, the birds headed to Serbia (Veliko Kopovo), where they spent the night. They left there at 07:00 hours on 29 November, crossing Bosnia-Herzegovina, over Sipovo at 16:29 at 73 km/hour and at an altitude of 1,244m. At 19:12 they reached the Adriatic at 69km/hour at 610m, arriving at Ancona in Italy at 21:44 at 61km/h and at 635m. They crossed the country, leaving from San Vicenzo at 02:00 on the 30th at 96km/h at 691m; at 03:50 they were flying overEl Tirreno at 60km/h, at one stage exceeding 111km/h with a tail wind. They arrived at Sainte-Maxine in France at 06:51 at 48km/h at 254m; they went over the Mediterranean again at Bandol, near Toulon, at 08:14 at 62km/h and 548m, touched France again at Gruissan, near Narbonne, at 12:04 at 50km/h at 680m. At 15:17 they flew over Llivia, in Lleida, at 60km/h and 2,217m to cross the Pyrenees, flying over Zaragoza at 19:46 at 76km/h and 684m; they finally reached Gallocanta at 22:37, where they rested. They left Gallocanta at 08:00 on 1 December, flying over Arganda del Rey, Madrid, at 16:17, at 54km/h at 1040m and arrived at Castrejón reservoir in Toledo at 17:45, where they stopped again. On the 2nd they slept at Valdecaballeros, Badajoz. The 3 used the dehesas around Casas de Don Pedro, and after making a trip to Vivares, in Badajoz, they returned to these dehesas, where they stayed all winter, until 28 February 2017.



The migration route of a Lithuanian crane family during November 2016

THE COMMON CRANE MIGRATION IN SPAIN: AUTUM2016.

This autumn’s migration has been tracked most exhaustively thanks to the information provided by many collaborators and data compiled from web sites and/or ornithological forums: Initials: LU: Lugo, NA: Navarra, G: Gipuzkoa, AR: Araba, VI: Vizkaia; GI: Girona, B: Barcelona, LL: Lleida, T: Tarragona, Z: Zaragoza, HU: Huesca, TE: Teruel, V: Valencia, CS: Castellón, A: Alacant IB: Illes Balears, BU: Burgos, VA: Valladolid, Z: Zamora, SA: Salamanca, AV: Ávila, SO: Soria; LO: Logroño, SG: Segovia, M: Madrid, CU: Cuenca, AB: AlbaceteCC: Cáceres, BA: Badajoz, TO: Toledo, CR: Ciudad Real, GU: Guadalajara, CO: Córdoba, SE: Sevilla, H: Huelva, CA: Cádiz, MA: Málaga, AL: Almeria.

A pair of cranes stayed during spring and summer in Arguedas (NA) Jesús Mari Lekuona; In Aiguamolls de l’Empordà,a solitary crane remained in the wetland during the summer, Glória Rosas. 05/05/16: 3 Moheda Alta (Navalvillar de Pela(BA), Martin Kelsey. 30/06/16: 2 2nd-year birds at Gallocanta lagoon (Z), Antonio Torrijo.



17/07/16 1 Lavajares lagoon (SA), Joaquín Rodrigo, Miguel Blanco, Ángel González, Víctor Coello. 04/08/16: 1 Navalmoral de la Mata (CC), Yasmina Annicchiarico. 20/08/16: 3 2nd-year birds at Sotonera reservoir (HU) Francisco Quesada. 12/09/16: some birds in flight, Medina de Pomar (BU) 20/09/16: 4 flying Arguedas (NA) Jesús Mari Lekuona. 22/09/16: 7 flying Zarza (BA) Carolina Climent. 22/09/16: 8 Gallocanta (Z) Sabi Martínez. Hondarribia migration(G) 25/09/16: 2 Arrocampo (CC) Borja García, John Muddeman. 26/09/16: 2 Galisteo (CC) Sergio Mayordomo. 28/09/16: 7 Cótar (BU) 30/09/16: 5 Galisteo (CC) Sergio Mayordomo.

Common crane distribution in Spain spring and summer 2016

6 October was notable for the first big wave of migration with some 20,000 cranes crossing the Pyrenees into Navarra and Aragón. 04/10/16: 1 Los Canchales reservoir (BA) Ada Kouri, Carlos González; 1 at Ribeiro de Pinquín (LU) Pedro Alonso. 05/10/17: 6 Arguedas (NA) Jesús Mari Lekuona. 06/10/16: First migratory wave: 20,000 Grullas crossed the Pyreneesinto Navarra and Aragón, Jesús Mari Lekuona, José Damián Moreno et al.; 200 crossed at Portalet and 4 at Somport (HU) SEO/Aragón 07/10/16: 10,000 cranes at dawn at Gallocanta lagoon (Z) where they left at mid-morning, Ángel Soriano; 12 Hoyo lagoon, El Oso (AV) José María García; 1,000 crossed over Pamplona (also during the night), Jesús Mari Lekuona; 6,000 Arguedas (NA) Jesús Mari Lekuona; 45 flying over Casarrubios del Monte (TO) , José Gómez; 700 Sotonera reservoir (HU) Francisco Quesada, Rob Mooser; 8,300 crossed Navarra during the day, Jesús Mari



Lekuonaet al; 343 arrived at Moheda Alta (BA) and they went on at night Manuel Gómez; 8,000arrived at Gallocanta (Z), Ángel Soriano: 160 crossing Alberche valley(TO) Carmen y Álvaro (Ardeidas); 70 Borbollón reservoir (CC) Goyo Naharro; 1 Casar de Cáceres reservoir, Sergio León; 2 River Lobos weir (SA) Raúl Granados; 400 crossing at Portalet (HU) SEO/Aragón; 7 Navalcán reservoir (TO) Álvaro González. 08/10/16: 3 Alcázar de San Juan lagoons (CR) Gabriel Martin; 20 Santa Amalia (BA) Fernando Yuste; 19 flying over La Aldea del Obispo (CC) Neil Renwick; small migration over Ciudad Real; 30 flying over Pago de San Clemente (CC) Martin Kelsey; some groups migrating over Villafranca de los Caballeros (TO) María del Carmen Comendador; 400migrating overSW Madrid, Chema Traverso; 26 Madrigal de la Vera (CC) Dave Langlois; 540 Sotonera reservoir (HU) Francisco Quesada; 111Los Canchales reservoir (BA) Elvira del Viejo, Hugo Sánchez ; 1 Villalba de los Barros reservoir (BA) José Mª Álvarez; 80 migrating over Carabanchel (M) Juan del Valle; 500 crossingthe Tajo valley(TO) José Luis de la Cruz; 300 Borbollón reservoir (CC) José Mª. Hernández, Goyo Naharro; 20 La Bazagona (CC) Jorge Mateos, 1,000 migrating over Tejoneras de Candeleda (AV) La casa del holandés; 20 Aldea del Cano dehesa (CC) César Quijada; 5 over Villar de Plasencia (CC) and other groups not counted, Hugo Sánchez; 180 flying north ofEl Moncayo (Z) Victoriano Carrillo; 5,000 crossingover Buendía reservoir (CU) Javier Conejero; 17 El Hondo reservoir, Elx (A) Jacobo Ramos; 16 over Casarrubios del Monte (M) José Gómez). 09/10/16: 200 migrating over Feria (BA) Antonio M. Sánchez, Agustín Giraldo; 62 Los Canchales reservoir (BA ) Ángel Sánchez; 6 flying over Santa Marta de Magasca (CC) José Carlos López; 3,000 between Vegas Altas and Valdepalacios, Central Zone (BA), José Ángel Sánchez, Anabel Moreno; 2 Villalba de los Barros reservoir (BA), José Mª Álvarez, Lorenzo Alcántara; 2 over Soto Gutiérrez (M); some cranes flying overVentosa del Río (SA) Pedro Decimavilla; 200 El Oso lagoon (AV) Víctor Coello; heard at Pedro Muñoz (CR) Jesús Porrero; 343 migrating over San Juan reservoir (M) Chema Traverso; some birds at theRiver Lobos weir and Sta Teresa reservoir (SA) Pedro Bueno; 40 flying over Saucedilla and 8 Belvís de Monroy (CC) Javier Briz; 226 sleep atEL Oso lagoon (AV) José M. García; 400 Sotonera reservoir(HU) Francisco Quesada; 360 Los Canchales reservoir (BA) Elvira del Viejo; 2 flying over Castuera (BA) José L. Pérez Chiscano, Juan Pablo Prieto; 3 La Janda (CA) Arkadiusz Broniarek; 82 Manjavacas lagoon (CU) Vanessa Brito; 72 Hernán Cortés (BA) Yasmina Annicchiarico; 1,500 on the Puebla de Alcollarín rice fields (BA/CC) and 1,300 sleep at Casas de Hitos de Abajo (CC) Antonio Calvo, some goups migrating over Ahigal (CC) Hugo Sánchez; Campazo lagoon (CC) Neil Renwick; 30 flying over Madrid; 35 Alcollarín reservoir(CC) José Carlos López; 49 Rosarito reservoir (TO) Juan Fernández-Elipe; 18 flying over Sevilla, José Luis Anguita; 100 over Madrid, Antonio Rodríguez; 100 over Navarra, Jesús Mari Lekuona, indicating a pause in migration. 16,273 birds are counted at Lac du Der (France) LPO; 30,000 remained at Hude (Germany) Harry Beld.



Common crane migratory movements, 3 / 9 October 2016

10/10/16: 4 flying over the Valdemedel mouth, Alange reservoir (BA) Lorenzo Alcántara; birds continued arriving at Moheda Alta (BA), Anabel Moreno; 3 Campazo lagoon (CC) Neil Renwick; 325 sleeping at Gallocanta (Z) Antonio Torrijo;10 flying over Castell park (B); Pedro Bescós; 80 Villafáfila (ZA) Joost Dewyspelaere 2,308 birds sleep at Arjuzanx (France), Patrick Dulau. 11/10/16: 200 Torviscal/Palazuelo (BA) Encarna Báez; 47 Caminreal (TE) Antonio Torrijo; 469 migrating over Alberche valley (TO) José María Traverso; 2,000 Borbollón reservoir (CC) Gregorio Naharro; 715 Villafáfila (ZA) Mariano Rodríquez; 1 Talaván reservoir (CC) Joost Dewyspelaere: 23 Veta la Palma, EBD (H) Alberto Pastoriza; 1 Aiguamolls de l’ Emporda (GI) Sergi Sales; 2 Mata lagoon, Torrevieja and 6 El Hondo reservoir, Elx (A) Marcos Fernández. 1,765 at Hornborga Lake (Sweden) Hornborgasjönfältstation; 140,000 in Germany (NABU). 12/10/16: 56Villalba de los Barros reservoir (BA), José Mª Álvarez; 1,049 between Sta. Amalia and Zurbarán (BA) José A. Román; 80 Manjavacas lagoon (CU) Jesús Porrero; 88 Fresnedilla, Oliva de Plasencia and 12 at La Granja (CC) Hugo Sánchez; 300 Aználcazar (SE) Eduardo J. Rodríguez. 13/10/16: 400 River Lobos weir (SA) Pedro L. Ramos; 5 La Janda (CA) Arkadiusz Broniarek: 3,000 at Moheda Alta (BA) Anabel Moreno.300 Orellana reservoir (BA) Jesús Sánchez. 14/10/16: 58 Quintos de Ebro (Z) Manuel Galán; 37 Arguedas (NA) Jesús Mari Lekuona; 400 Alboré (HU) Francisco Quesada; 300 Los Canchales reservoir (BA) Elvira del Viejo; 183 Manjavacas lagoon (CU) Antonio Paredes; 1 El Haza (CC) Sergio Mayordomo; 1,526 Borbollón reservoir (CC) Gregorio Naharro, José Mª Hernández; 53 La Janda (CA) Arkadiusz Broniarek; 45 over Valdebebas (M); 80 over Cienpozuelos (M) José Gómez 15/10/16: 1,000Gallocanta (Z) Antonio Torrijo; 500 Los Canchales reservoir (BA) José Luis Bautista; 400 Fernán Núñez dehesa, Siruela (BA) José Mª Traverso; 1,000 Rosarito reservoir (AV) Dave Langlois; 250 Manjavacas lagoon (CU) Antonio Paredes. No cranes at



Fuente de Piedra lagoon (MA), Javier Fregenal.; 55 atRiver Lobos weir (SA) Guillermo Hernández, Laura García; 400 Peña Hueca reservoir and 300 at Taray lagoon (TO) Ángel Velasco; 400 Sotonera reservoir (HU) Francisco Quesada, Rob Mooser (G.O.O.); 400 Aznalcázar (SE) Carlos J. Moreno 16/10/16: 8 Zolina pool (NA) Jesús Mari Lekuona; 18 Morantes reservoir (BA) José Luis Bautista; 36 Arguedas (NA) Jesús Mari Lekuona; 270 El Oso lagoon(AV) Juan Ramón Cuervo, José Ángel Sánchez; 450 Los Canchales reservoir (BA) Hugo Sánchez; 273 Gallocanta lagoon (Z) Antonio Torrijo; 5,000 around Moheda Alta (BA/CC) Manuel Gómez; 3,308 between Palazuelo and Puebla de Alcollarín (BA) José M. Álvarez, Yasmina Anniccharico, Luis Salguero, José A. Román; 5 Gargáligas (BA) Agustín Giraldo, Antonio Mª Sánchez; 250 Guijo de Coria (CC) Javier Prieta; 80 Villacañas (TO) Ángel Velasco. 27,359 arrive at Lac du Der (France), Louis Parisel, another 27,900 in the Marlburg area (Germany) Martin Kraft.

Common crane migratory movements 10 / 16 October 2016

A week with little movement as cranes stayed in Europe, even Sweden. Some began to arrive in traditional holm oak areas in La Serena and the Pedroches Valley. 17/10/16: 7 flying over Mérida (Ángel Sánchez) 352 El Oso lagoon (AV) José María Hernández; 11 over San Jorge de Alor (BA) Joaquín Figueredo. 18/10/16: 9 Pueblonuevo del Bullaque (CR) Néstor Conde; 117 migrating over Zafra (BA) Francisco Montaño; some cranes arriveat Gallocanta (Z) Antonio Torrijo; 11 La Atalaya (CC) César Quijada; 4 in flight Vilanova i la Geltrù (B) Ramón Solis; 10 La Janda (CA) José Mª Lubián. 19/10/16: 610 Villafáfila (ZA) Henk Castelijns; 3 La Janda (CA) José Mª Lubián; 21 Isla Mayor, EBD (SE) Alberto Pastoriza; 131 Veta la Palma (SE) EBD Alberto Pastoriza. 17,000in Hula Valley(Israel).



20/10/16: 60 migrating over Móstoles (M) José Mª Traverso; 250 Retuerta del Bullaque (CR) Néstor Conde; 700 birds that arrived at Gallocanta (Z) continue the migration, Francisco J. Sampietro; 590 Villafáfila (ZA) Henk Castelijns 2,077 Arjuzanx (France) Patrick Dulau 21/10/16: 409 sleeping at Alange reservoir (BA) José A. Román; 3 flying over Campanario (BA) Manuel Maximiano; 128 Alboré/La Sotonera (HU) Francisco Quesada; 134 Torre de Abraham reservoir (CR) Néstor Conde; 7 Cabo de Gata salt pans (AL). After a brief pause the migration continues, Gustavo Gahete, Garry Pearson; 1,000 Los Canchales reservoir (BA) Elvira del Viejo. 1,760 Hornborga Lake (Sweden) Hornborgasjönfältstation

Common cranes at Cabo de Gata, Almería, Garry Pearson

22/10/16: 1,000 Campo Lugar (CC) Antonio Calvo; 1,949 Borbollón reservoir (CC) Goyo Naharro; 3 birds (a family) Campazo lagoon, Neil Renwick; 20 migrating through the Foz of Lumbier (NA) Henk Castelijns; 1 Tablas de Daimiel N.P. (CR) Joost Dewyspelaere. 23/10/16: two groups with 30 and 44 birds over Campanario (BA). Manuel Maximiano; first cranes (8) in the Pedroches valley (CO) 8, Juan Manuel Sánchez; one group over Orellana reservoir (BA) Encarna Báez. 180 Alboré/La Sotonera (HU) Francisco Quesada; 18 flying Casas de Don Antonio and 12 Valdesalor reservoir (CC) Gerardo Pizarro; 300 Gallocanta (Z), Antonio Torrijo; 184 Campo Lugar (CC) Antonio Calvo; 120 Aznalcázar (SE) Alberto Pastoriza. 20,350 Lac du Der (France) Aurelien Deschartres.



Common crane migratory movements 17/ 23 October 2016

The week started quietly, but in mid-week large contingents in Germany moved west, producing a massive and significant movement. Arriving in northern France, they only stopped to sleep, active migration continuing south-westwards. At the end of the week they flooded through the Pyrenees and crossed Navarra, resolutely heading for Gallocanta, where they spent the night before continuing their journey south-westwards the following day.

24/10/16: 1,439 flying over Pamplona; 600 over Arjona (NA) Jesús Mari Lekuona; 1,430 Hornborga Lake (Sweden) Lotta Berg; 3,000 Arjuzanx (France), Patrick Dulau; 54,000 Rügen Island (Germany) Günter Nowald. 25/10/16: 500 sleep at Zolina pool (NA) Jesús Mari Lekuona; 9 Merinillas (BA) Joaquín Mazón; 4.400 crossing Navarra, Jesús Mari Lekuona; active migration over El Moncayo from Águeda (SO) Francisco Quesada; 363 El Oso lagoon (AV) José María García; migration over Buendía reservoir (CU); 1,000 Gallocanta (Z) Antonio Torrijo; 71,700 Cranes in Rhin-Havelluch (Germany) 26/10/16: 218 Manjavacas lagoon (CU) Antonio Paredes; 104 Fuente de Piedra lagoon (MA) Javier Fregenal; 1,625 crossing Navarra, Jesús Mari Lekuona et al; 29 Barbate (CA) José Mª Lubián; 1 over Aranguren (NA) Juan I. Deán; 154 over Casarrubios del Monte (M) José Gómez 27/10/16: 46 Zorita de la Frontera (CR) Néstor Conde; some groups over the Jaca area (HU) and Ebro valley, 4,321 are counted over Navarra, Jesús Mari Lekuona; 15 flying over Proserpina reservoir, Mérida (BA) Elvira del Viejo; 200 River Lobos weir (SA) Miguel



Rodríguez et al; 250 Lavajares lagoon (SA) Néstor Conde; 35 Doñana N.P. (SE) Francisco J. Salcedo; 3 Matabuena (SG) Hans Nietvelt; 28 over Chapinería (M) Jesús Morena. 28,200 Hula valley (Israel), AgamonHula; 28/10/16: 2,000 Gallocanta (Z) Ángel Margarit; 20 flying over Jarandilla de la Vera (CC) Sofía Moreno; 17 over Villalba de los Barros reservoir (BA), José A. Leal; 345 + 265 over Móstoles (M) José Mª Traverso; 2,000 migrating Buendía reservoir (CU); 159over Avinyonnet de Puigventòs (GI) Marc Puig; 30 over Arbúcies (GI) Irene Figueroa; 64 over Toledo, Ángel Velasco;25 flying over Ávila mountain, José María García; 54 Manjavacas lagoon (CU) Antonio Paredes; 54La Nava lagoon (P), 4,070 crossing over Lindus (NA) 327 flying over El Moncayo (Z) Victoriano Carrillo; 5,011 are counted over Navarra, Jesús Mari Lekuona; 5 flying over L’Albufera (V) GOTUR; 1 over El Prat de Llobregat (B) Joan Pavía; 36 migrating over Llívia (GI) Artur Degollada; 43 over Malla en Osona (B) Lluis Mir; 8 over Muntanyans, Creixel (T) Oscar Roche, Marc Puig; 30 over Sant Celoni (B) Arnau Toirà; 80 flying over Leganés (M) Alfredo Mirat; 44 over Chapinería (M) Jesús Morena; 9 El Hondo reservoir, Elx (A) Jacobo Ramos; 16 Salobrar, Mallorca, Juan J. Bazán. 4,400 Flavignac (France); 120,000 started out from Germany in the afternoon; 180 Hornborga Lake (Sweden); 1,000 flying north of Torino (Italy) Daniele Capello; 1 young in Kuwait (9th observation this week, a rare bird in this country)

Cranes, La Nava lagoon, Palencia youngcrane, Kuwait

29/10/16: 577 Alange reservoir (BA) José A. Román; 2 flying over la Serena reservoir (BA) Manuel Maximiano; 433 Madrigal de la Vera dehesa (CC) Dave Langlois, 9 Longar de Lillo lagoon (TO) Ángel Velasco; 800+ over Buendía reservoir(CU) Antonio Rodríguez; 300 Gargáligas (BA) and 10 circling the Masa Trigo peak (Puebla de Alcocer, BA) Francisco Lopo; 1,000 Gallocanta (Z) Antonio Torrijo; 32 Granja de Torrehermosa (BA) Miguel Corvillo; 10,530 are counted over Navarra, Jesús Mari Lekuonaet al; 11 Campillo lagoon (M); 33 over Aigüamúrcia (T) Josep Escoda; 300 over Rajádell (B) Jordi Riera; 15 Goleró-Deltebre and 2 Punta del Fangar (T) Manuel E. Carballal, Javier Valladares; migration over L’Ampolla (T) Manuel Sánchez; 100 Forallac (GI) Jesús Ruiz; 10 0 over Sant Joan Despí (B) Carlos M.v.; 23+475 over Aiguanegra volcano (GI) Fran Trabalon, Albert Alonso; 20 over Vilanova i la Geltrú (B) Ramón Solís, 155 migrating over Aiguanegra volcano (GI) Judith Corominas; 9 Cal Sastre-Llagostera (GI) Pere Pons; 80 over Montgat (B) Lluis-Xavier Toldrà; 20 over Balenyà (B) Ramón Morales; 25+200 Puig del Jueus, Vic (B) Martí



Franch, Carlos Sánchez; 25 Gurb (B) Romina Mesón; 60 Malla (B) Raquel Larios (GNO); 70 over Santa María de Corcó (B) Roger Pujol (GNO); 22 over Tona (B) Pere Vila (GNO); 1 Torre d’en Franch, Vic (B) Xavier Higueruelo; 150 over SantGuim de Freixenet (LL) Daniel Espejo; 700 crossing over Lindus (NA), Migración Atlántica; 120 over Chapinería (M) Jesús

Morena; 1,577 at Borbollón reservoir (CC) Gregorio Naharro, José María Hernández; 6 El Hondo reservoir, Elx (A) Carolina Ecía, Santiago Maldonado, Pepe Olivares. 6,891 still at Warta Mouth N.P. (Poland) Arkadiusz Broniarek; 50,000 Diepholzer Moorniederung (Germany); 800 flying north of Torino (Italy) Daniele Capello 30/10/16: 1,980 sleep at Taray lagoon (TO) Ángel Velasco; 18 sleep at Talaván reservoir (CC) José C. López; 11 circling over Salorino (CC) Antonio Galán; 158 La Janda (CA) Arkadiusz Broniarek, 46 la Veguilla lagoon of Alcázar de S. Juan (CR) Jesús Porrero; 50 over Leganés (M) Alfredo Mirat; 300 La Tranquera reservoir, Nuévalos (Z) AntonoTorrijo; 60 Cerrado Barrido, E.B. Doñana (H) Noelia Alfaro; 300 Manjavacas lagoon (CU) Jesús Porrero; 508 Sotonera reservoir(HU) Pablo Valles; 400 River Lobos weir (SA) Rafael Vicentelo; some groups over Zaragoza, Francisco J. Sampietro; 250 sleep at Rosarito reservoir (AV) Virgilio Beltrán; 227 migrating to the north ofEl Moncayo (Z) Victoriano Carrillo; 500+ Navalcán reservoir (TO); 100 over Chapinería (M) Jesús Morena: 1,589 at Borbollón reservoir (CC) Goyo Naharro, José María Hernández; 45 over Vitoria/Gasteiz (AR) Andoni Candel; 300 over Donostia (G) Xabier Saralegi; 80 over Irún (G) Eneko Diez; 340 over Pasaia (G) Pello Olarzabal; 10 over Oñati (G) Iker Novoa; 118 over Casarrubios del Monte (M) José Gómez. 19,400 are counted at the Lac du Der (France) in the morning, but 40,000 are estimated. Louis Parisel; 17,000 migrating over Limousin (France) Alain Gendeau; 6,689 over Lieja (Belgium) David Kever

Common Crane migratory movements 24/30 October 2016



An important week for migration; from the start, it produced a massive entry by cranes. A few days before, they had begun to leave central Europe, and in a rapid movement they reached the Pyrenees, which they crossed on Monday and Tuesday, 50,343 being counted in Navarra on those two days. They also entered Aragón, in lesser numbers. They arrived at Gallocanta where they stayed only long enough to rest, as the lagoon had no water. They continued their journey, being seen in all counties. In the middle of the week they were occupying their wintering areas in the central zone of Extremadura and other areas throughout the region, as well as other Spanish localities. A group of 3 birds was noted crossing to Morocco from Zahara de los Atunes, Cádiz.

31/10/16: Significant migratory flow over Navarra, being noted at night in places such as Pamplona; at dawn 2,500 flew over Castejón with 1,600 over Pamplona. 16 Mota del Cuervo (CU) Vanessa Brito; 150 Villafranca lagoon, Alcázar de San Juan (CR) Jesús Porrero; 50 migrating over Toledo, Ángel Velasco; 32 flying over the Baztan valley(NA) You Mike; 4 over Torres del Segre (LL) Víctor Iglesias; 60 over Buendía reservoir(CU) Antonio Rodríguez; 110 over Alcobendas (M) SEO-Montícola; 1,000 sleep at Monteagudo de las Vicarías reservoir(SO), and several hundred migrating over the reservoir, Victoriano Carrillo; 48 flying over Proserpina reservoir, Mérida (BA) Francisco Prieto; 598 sleep at Sotonera reservoir(HU) Francisco Quesada; 40 migrating over Talavera de la Reina (TO) Sofía Moreno; 250 over Chapinería (M) Jesús Morena; 85 over Gordexola (AR) Kepa Aldama; 13 El Hondo reservoir, Elx (A) Jacobo Ramos, Toñi Zaragozi; 280 resting Sotos de Alfaro (LO) Ignacio Gámez, Javier Robres.. 01/11/16: 2,800 slept atZolina pool (NA) Jesús Mari Lekuona; 7 Jarandilla de la Vera dehesa (CC) Juan Pablo Prieto; 2 sleep at Laguna Larga de Villacañas (TO) Ángel Velasco; several thousand depart from Gallocanta (Z) Antonio Torrijo; 12 flying Castilleja de la Cuesta (SE) Elvira del Viejo; 12 crossing the Jerte valley (CC) Borja García; 47 migrating over Villacañas (TO) Ángel Velasco; 2 flying Zalamea de la Serena (BA) Paloma Iglesias; several groups arrived at Moheda Alta (BA) Anabel Moreno, José A. Román; 18,000 arrived at Gallocantain the afternoon (Z) Antonio Torrijo; 20,335 crossing Navarra, Jesús Mari Lekuona; 105 flying over Matabuena (SG) Hans Nietvelt; 2,500 crossing over Aranguren (NA) Juan I. Dean; 100 flying over Monte Perdido (HU), 90 La Loteta reservoir (HU); active migration through the Tajo valley (TO) José Luis de la Cruz; nocturnal migration over Peñaranda de Bracamonte (AV) Néstor Conde; 844 Alboré, Montmesa (HU) Pablo Vallés; 138 over San Agustín de Guadalix (M) Ignacio Pantón; 140 over Arcos del Jalón (SO) Prado R. Vielsa; 190 over Madrid; 25 over Palencia, Amparo Moreno; 100 over Fuente del Maestre (BA) Félix Marver; 1,000 over Monteagudo de las Vicarías (SO); 250 flying over Hoyo de Pinares (AV) Alfredo Mirat; 250 over Chapinería (M) Jesús Morena; 11 over Briviesca (BU) Fernando Mínguez; 5 over Atapuerca lagoon (BU) Santiago Lomas; 1,300 resting Sotos de Alfaro (LO) Ignacio Gámez, Javier Robres (M.A. La Rioja), Lidia Roncero.



A family group arriving at Palazuelo(CC)

02/11/16:30,000 birds leaveGallocanta (Z) Ángel Margarit; 25 Jarandilla de la Vera dehesa (CC) Juan P. Prieto; 29 migrating over Pedro Muñoz (CR) Antonio Paredes; 100 Camino de Villafranca lagoon, Alcázar de S. Juan (CR) Jesús Porrero; 3 crossing to Morocco from Zahara de los Atunes (CA) Arkadiusz Broniarek; 46 flying Peñaranda de Bracamonte (AV) Néstor Conde; 22 flying Jarandilla de la Vera (CC) Sofía Moreno; 10 flying Campanario (BA) Manuel Maximiano; 9 over Barcelona, Daniel González; 19 over Villamanrique de la Condesa (CR) Noelia Alfaro; 20 over Jayona mine, Fuente del Arco (BA) María Díaz; 70 sleep at La Nava lagoon (P) Carlos Zumarracálegui; 20,000 arrived at Gallocanta (Z/TE) Antonio Torrijo; 5,648 crossing over Navarra, Jesús Mari Lekuona, 15 migrating over Mérida (BA) Gerardo Pizarro; 519 El Oso lagoon(AV) José María Hernández; 61 flying over Barcelona, Daniel González; 299 over Chapinería (M) Jesús Morena. 03/11/16: 3 in flight Arcos de la Frontera (C); Filip Vandeputte; 300 flying over Leganés and two groups of 100 birds over Barajas airport (M) Alfredo Mirat;18 over Terrasa (B) Sanllehí Bitrìa; 9 Aiguamolls de la Bòbila, Santpedor (B) Marc Illa; 4 over Estany’s de Ivarsd’Urgell (LL) Joan Rodríguez; 33 over Valdetorres del Jarama (M); 7,730 at Gallocanta (Z) S.A.R.G.A.; 2,000 Tablas de Daimiel N.P. (CR); 3 San Clemente and 10 on Bini Llautí, Menorca (IB), Gala Lligoña; 380 over Chapinería (M) Jesús Morena; 1 bird Txingudi marsh (G) José F. Esparcia 34,200 are counted at Hula Lake (Israel) Agamon Hula; 12,500 crossing over Limousin (France) LPO 04/11/16: 700 Arguedas rice fields (NA) Jesús Mari Lekuona; 881 crossing over Navarra; 352 La Janda (C) Arkadiusz Broniarek; 218 arriving at Gallocanta (Z) Antonio Torrijo; 318 flying over La Fresnedilla (CC) Hugo Sánchez; 150 over Rivas (M); 16 flying west over Tarragona, Bernat García; 30 Valmayor reservoir (M) Alfredo Mirat; 350 flying over Chapinería (M) Jesús Morena; 24 El Hondo reservoir, Elx (A) Jacobo Ramos, Sergio Arroyo; 5 over Burgos, María Cruz Gutiérrez. 34,500 Hula Lake. (Israel) Agamon Hula.



05/11/16: 4,000 Montmesa (HU) Pablo Vallés, Francisco Quesada; 11 Guijo de Granadilla (CC) Adri Clements; 200 over Chapinería (M) Jesús Morena; 22 over Mataró (B) Raúl Calderón; 35 flying by Valle de Santa Ana (BA) Elvira del Viejo; 50 over Proserpina reservoir (BA) Elvira del Viejo; 55 crossing Navarra, Jesús Mari Lekuona; 700 Guareña dehesa (BA) Agapito J. Verde, Francisco Prieto. 16,052 Arjuzanx (France) Patrick Dulau; 10,500 Slano Kopovo (Serbia) Silvia Simoncik. 06/11/16: 19 in flightLa Zarza and another 350 at Villagonzalo (BA) Antonio Mª Sánchez, Agustín Giraldo; two groups of 15 birds flying over Campanario (BA) Manuel Maximiano; 12 come to Villalba de los Barros reservoir (BA) José A. Leal; 27 flying at Pedroches (CO) Juan Manuel Sánchez; 20 over Jarandilla de la Vera (CC) Sofía Moreno; 530 Montmesa (HU) Pablo Valles, Francisco Quesada; 20,000 birds in the Central Zone of Extremadura, José A. Román, Manuel Gómez Calzado. 38,100 are counted at the Lac du Der-Chantecoq (France) Louis Parisel.

Common crane migratory movements,October 31 to November 6, 2016

This was a week with little migratory movement. The wintering areas are filling slowly, notably the Central Zone of Extremadura where there is already a significant number of cranes. However there are few in the dehesa areas as the acorns, generally, have not yet ripened. During the weekend a new migration wave was recorded in central Europe, with 129,200 bird being counted at Lac du Der, France. After spending the night there they left the following morning in a south-westerly direction, to resume migration through the Iberian Peninsula at the start of the following week.



07/11/16: 7 migrating overAvinyonet de Puigventòs (GI) Marc Puig; 2 Castelló d’ Empuries (GI) Oriol Clarabuch; 4 over Sant Fruitòs de Bages (B) Santiago Guallar; 30 migrating over Penelles (LL) Joan Rodriguez; 4 Malla (B) Arnau Soler (G.N.O.); 90 migrating over Guadarranque river (CC) Joaquín Araujo; 838 are countedatArroyo Conejo reservoir, Llerena (BA) Andrés González; 83 crossing Navarra, Jesús Mari Lekuona; 550 at La Bazagona (CC) Adri Clements; 50 migrating over Écija (SE) Javier Rángel; 30 Camarles (TA) Harold Wijts; 560 Valereña rice fields, Cinco Villas (Z) Esther Yera; 16 over Hoyo de Pinares (AV) Alfredo Mirat; 2,900 are counted at Borbollón reservoir (CC)Goyo Naharro, José Mª Hernández; 40 over Zarautz (G) Eneko Arkue. 08/11/16: 400 Villagonzalo (BA) Francisco Bernáldez; 1,157 Manjavacas (CU) Antonio Paredes; 538 El Oso lagoon (AV) José Mª García; 1,000 Zarza de Granadilla (CC) Adri Clements; 500 Venta la Palma (Doñana N.P.,SE) Martin van der Neut; 100 Doñana marshes (SE) Francisco J. Salcedo; 40 at Aználcazar (SE) Francisco J. Salcedo; some birds migrating overAlfaro (LO) Pilar Azpiroz, Juan San Martín.. 09/11/16: 549 are counted at Rosarito reservoir (Candeleda, AV) Juan Fdez-Elipe; 400 at Valereña, Cinco Villa (Z) Esther Yera; 50 Aznalcázar (SE) Javier Rangel; 7 Ivars d’ Urgell (LL) Roger Sanmartí; 40 over Vitoria/Gastéiz (A) Íñigo Navas; 31 El Hondo reservoir, Elx (A), Jacobo. Ramos. 40,000 Hula Lake (Israel) AgamonHula 10/11/16: 22, 60, 210, 13 migrating over Valereña (Z) Esther Yera; 4 la Mueda (NA) Jesús Mari Lekuona; 400 Campo Lugar (CC) Rafael Vicente. 11/11/16: 710 Alboré reservoir, Montmesa (HU) Pablo Valles; migration over Cuenca, Antonio Rodríguez; 262 Arroyo Conejos (BA) Francisco Montaño; 8,632 are counted at Gallocanta (Z) S.A.R.G.A.; 30 sleep in Guadiana C. rice stubble field, Francisco Lopo; 14 El Hondo reservoir, Elx (A) 12/11/16: 35 over Madrid, Adri Clements; 130 Guijo de Granadilla (CC) Adri Clements; 1 Pals (GI) Miquel Arxer; 200 Zarza de Granadilla (CC) Javier Prieta; 2,500 Rosarito reservoir (TO) Dave Langlois; 205 Madrigal de la Vera dehesa (CC) Dave Langlois 13/11/16: 710 Alboré (HU) Pablo Valles; migration at Buendía reservoir (CU) Antonio Rodríguez; 300 eating in a sown field, Arroyo Conejo (BA) Miguel Corvillo; 1 flying over Toledo. Ángel Velasco; 732 La Janda (CA) Arkadiusz Broniarek; 40 flying over Salamanca, Rafael Vicente; 4 over Balaguer (LL) Quim Minarves; 1 over Sant Quirze del Vallès (B) Eduard Bautista; 200 Aznalcázar (SE) Albert Savijn 129,200 are counted at Lac du Der (France).LPO Champagne-Ardenne.



Common crane migratory movements 7/13 November 2016

Migration continues this week and cranes gradually occupy their traditional wintering areas. The Central Zone of Extremadura is still highlighted for the large number of birds present.

14/11/16: 16 migrating over Pinsoro, Ejea de los Caballeros (Z) Francisco J. Sampietro; 1,622 cross Navarra, Jesús Mari Lekuona et al.; 56 flying over Jeréz de la Frontera (CA) Arkadiusz Broniarek; 7,000 Torre de Abraham reservoir (CR) Antonio Torrijo; 4,000 Alarcón reservoir (CU) Antonio Torrijo; 1 flying over Barcelona, David Fumosas; 430 sleep atSotonera reservoir (HU) Rob Mooser; 9 La Veguilla lagoon (M) Rafael A.C.; 152 sleep in the RiverTinto (H) José Manuel Méndez. 13,850 are counted atArjuzanx (France) and a lot of birds leave on migration, Patrick Dulau; 30 migrating over Malta, Natalino Fenech 15/11/16:10 sleep at Zolina pool (NA) Jesús Mari Lekuona; 30 over Ivars d’Urgell (LL) Jordi Comellas; 4,280 Borbollón reservoir (CC) Gregorio Naharro; 800 Doñana N.P. and 250 in Aznalcázar (SE) J.A. Sarry; 9 Castelló d’Empuries marshs (GI) Oriol Calabuch. 16/11/16: 116 migrating over Méntrida (TO) José María Traverso; 17 Albacete, Rafael Torralba; 1,100 La Janda (CA) Arkadiusz Broniarek; 200 migrating over Buendía reservoir (CU) Antonio Rodríguez; 803 El Oso lagoon (AV) José María García; some birds migrating over Leza (AR) Íñigo Navas; 2Castelló d’Empuries (GI); 2 El Hondo reservoir (A) Jacobo Ramos 17/11/16: 118 sleep at Zolina pool (NA) Jesús Mari Lekuona; 54 Hinojosa del Duque (CO) Juan M. Sánchez; 14 migrating over Navarra, Jesús Mari Lekuona; 9,600 are counted at Gallocanta (Z) S.A.R.G.A.; 17 over Avinyonet de Puigventós (GI) Marc Puig. 18/11/16: Some groups migrating over Falces (NA) Jesús Mari Lekuona; 21 flying over Campanario (BA) Manuel Maximiano; 22 over Don Benito (BA) Encarna Báez; 1,100 La



Janda (CA) Arkadiusz Broniarek; 4,859 Borbollón reservoir (CC) Gregorio Naharro; 215 migranting over Navarra, Jesús Mari Lekuonaet al; 1,000Villafáfila (ZA) Alfonso Rodrigo; 4 El Hondo reservoir (A) Jacobo Ramos; 112 La Nava lagoon (P) Servicio Territorial de M.A. de Palencia; 24 over Chapinería (M) Jesús Moreno 19/11/16: 2,151 sleep at Taray lagoon, Quero (CR) Ángel Velasco; 400 flying over Granja de Torrehermosa (BA) Miguel Corvillo; 900 Fuente de Piedra lagoon (MA) Javier Fregenal; 1,500 Doñana N.P. (SE) Alberto Pastoriza; 1,000 Los Canchales reservoir (BA) Elvira del Viejo; 1,000 El Haza, Valdeíñigos (CC) Eva Garzón; 4 El Hondo reservoir (A) Jana Marco, Irena Arnaldos, Aléx Alemán; 11 El Hondo reservoir (A) Jana Marco, Irena Arnaldos, Aléx Alemán; 24 Vinalopó river, Elx (A) Oscar Aldeguer 20/11/16: 4 over Ivars d’Urgell (LL) Marc Illa Llobet; 5 El Hondo reservoir(A) Jacobo Ramos 69,223 are counted at Lac du Der (France) Aurelien Deschartres, and between 20,000and 30,000 in Central France, Sébastien Merle.

Common Crane migratory movements 14/20 de November 2016

The week began with little migratory activity but significant migratory movements were noted mid-week, crossing the Pyrenees into Navarra during the weekend.

21/11/16: 24 flying over Pals (GI) Joan Goy; 37 over Chapinería (M) Jesús Moreno 15,700 Arjuzanx (France) Patrick Dulau 22/11/16: 54 La Aldea del Obispo dehesas (CC) Neil Renwick; 13 over Chapinería (M) Jesús Moreno.



23/11/16: 244 Hinojosa del Duque (CO) Juan M. Sánchez; 600 feeding atLa Bazagona (CC) Neil Renwick; 940 sleep at Taray lagoon and another 1,500+ sleep at Peña Hueca lagoon (TO) Ángel Velasco; 723 sleep at El Oso lagoon (AV) José María García. 24/11/16: 1,106 sleep at Los Canchales reservoir BA) Francisco Lopo; 7,969 crossing Navarra, Jesús Mari Lekuona et al; 12,600 are counted at Gallocanta (Z), Francisco J., Sampietro; 167 are counted at Pedroches (CO) Juan M. Sánchez; 5,819 sleep at Borbollón reservoir (CC) Goyo Naharro, José Mª Hernández; 1,100 La Janda (C) Arkadiusz Broniareck; 2 over Bigues i Riells (B) Josep Bel; 124 over Bélmez (CO) Fernando Díaz. 19,429 sleep at Arjuzanx (France) Patrick Dulau; 20,000 migrating over Limousin (France) Alain Gendeau 25/11/16: 2,067 crossing Navarra, Jesús Mari Lekuona et al; several hundred migrating over Monasterio de Piedra (Z) Antonio Torrijo; 160 over Espartinas (SE) Pablo Galiano; 20 in El Pardo dehesas (M) Adolfo Rodríguez; 500 El Haza (CC) Eva Garzón, Jorge Mateos; 21 over Chapinería (M) Jesús Moreno; 6 El Hondo reservoir (A) Jana Moreno, Oscar Arnaldos, Marcos Fernández; 6 Santa Pola salt pans (A) Jacobo Ramos. 40,000are counted at Arjuzanx (France) in the morning, 20,000 arrived in the afternoon, Patrick Dulau 26/11/16: 38 over Tajuña valley (M) Fátima Molina; 185 over Pinto (M) Francisco García; 30 over Monfragüe N.P. (CC) Sara de la Rosa; 200 migrating over Guadalajara, Raúl A. Mazario; 30 over la Plá de la Figuera in Premiá de Dalt (B) Feliu López; 30 over Collado Mediano (M) Adolfo Rodríguez; 5 over Belorado (BU) Javier Pi Vallina; 2 Quintanilla San García and 1 over Cerezo Rió Tizón (BU) Marcos Barbero; 146 over Sotos de Alfaro (LO) Jesús Ucha; some groups migrating over Villaverde and Nájera (LO) Pilar Azpiroz, Jaime Bravo 27/11/16: Some birds migrating over Vitoria/Gasteiz (AR) Íñigo Navas; 1 over Badalona (B) Jacob Civera; 2,102 cross Navarra, Jesús Mari Lekuona et al.; some groups over Tarazona (Z); 979 Sotonera reservoir (HU) Francisco Quesada; 50 migrating over Buendía reservoir (CU) Antonio Rodríguez; 1,700 sleep at Figarol (NA); 350 Pitillas lagoon (NA) Juan I. Dean; <20,000 at Gallocanta (Z) Antonio Torrijo. Some groups migrating over Oion (AR) José A. Novoa; 24 over Castelló d’Empuries (GI) Ramón Aguilar; 2,500 migrating over Ágreda (SO): 200 over Calahorra, 20 over Arnedo and 100 over Enciso (LO) Jesús Ucha; 84 over Pradejón (LO) Sandra Vela; 200+ over Nalda (LO) José Mª Rodríguez; 250 over Villaverde/Badarán (LO) Daniel Pérez, Pilar Azpiroz; 200 over Fuenmayor (LO) Leandro Gracia, Daniel Mogica 21,340 sleep at Lac du Der, Louis Parisel; 2,500 migrating over Limousin (France) Alain Genderau. 159,331 cranes have crossed Navarra to date, Jesús Mari Lekuona et al.



Common crane migratory movements, 21/27 November 2016

A week with significant migratory movements, with obvious movements through Navarra, where over 160,000 cranes have been recorded sincemigration started. Breeding areas, such as Poland, are abandoned, and significant movements through Italy and south and central France are observed. 28/11/16: 11 flyingwestof Osuna (SE) José A. Román, Luis Asuar; 2,069 sleep at Figarol (NA) Jesús Mari Lekuona; nocturnal migration over Lasarte/Oria (G) José Ramón Labrador; 1,580 crossing Navarra, Jesus Mari Lekuona et al., 40 flying over Colmenar Viejo (M) Sofía Moreno; 900 feeding on stubble at Pueblonuevo del Bullaque (CR); 400 migrating over La Rioja, Meteojuela; some groups migrating over Toledo. Ángel Velasco; 102 crossing over Chapinería (M) Alfredo Mirat; 50+ migrating over Arnedo (Rioja) Carlos Deza; 2,050 sleep atSotonera reservoir (HU) Rob Mooser; 200 over Urdaibai Centre; migrating over Arteaga (AR); passage over Irún (G) Alfredo Herrero; 89 migrating over Salas de los Infantes (BU) Javier Pi Vallina, Javier Pi Barrio; 55 over Castrovido (BU), Raúl Fernández, Rufino Fernández; 13 over Briviesca (BU) Marcos Barbero; 11 over Atapuerca (BU) Eva Juarros; 90 La Aldea del Obispo and 48 Campazo lagoon (CC) Neil Renwick; 2,500 migrating over Ágreda (SO); 215 over Hoyo de Pinares (AV) Natalia Gallego; 11 Huerta de Dolores (A) Oscar Aldeguer; 175 flying over Predrejón (LO) Sandra Vela; 263 sleep in the River Tinto(H) José M. Méndez 45,400 are counted in the Hula valley (Israel), Agamon Hula; 42,000 migrating through Limousin (France) Alain Gendeau. 29/11/16: 30 over Castelló d’Empuries (GI) Josep M. Bas; 36 over Banyoles (GI) Gerard Dalmau; 7,519 crossing Navarra, Jesús Mari Lekuona et al., 800 migrating over Huarte (NA) Jesús Mari Lekuona; 46 migrating over Castelló d’Empuries (GI) Gemma Hurtado; 24



over Parc de la Ciutadella (B) Marc Illa Llobet; 100 over Vitoria/Gasteiz (AR) Aitor Hernández; 2,500 migrating over Ágreda (SO); 2,500 flying over Valdeprados (SG); 59 over Predrejón (LO) Sandra Vela; 400 over Cofín, Alfaro (LO) Óscar Gutiérrez, David Mazuelas; general migration over la Rioja, Lidia Roncero; 40over Cienpozuelos (M) Jose Gómez; 993 sleep at las Merinillas pool (BA) Jacobo Hernández. 2,000 migrating over Piamonte NW (Italy) Danielle Capello 30/11/16: 1,000 over Valdeprados (SG); 100 over Cantalejo (SG); 1,472 sleep at Manjavacas lagoon, Mota del Cuervo (CU) Antonio Paredes; 150 over Ágreda (SO); 62 over El Pardo reservoir (M); 9 over Avinyonet de Puigventos (GI) Marc Puig; 60 over Dosrius (B), Héctor Andino; 34 over Torres del Segre (LL) Víctor Iglesias; 36 over Moia (B) César Pedrocchi; 84 over Txingudi marshs; David Santamaría(GIP); 60 over Salburua (AR) Fernando G.; 84 Pedro Muñoz lagoon (CR) Antonio Paredes; Some groups migrating over Salamanca, Rafael Vicente, Guillermo Hernández, Diego Ganformina; 5,327 crossing Navarra, Jesús Mari Lekuona et al.; 177 migrating over El Hondo reservoir (A) Jana Marco, Barry Chambers, Oscar Aldeguer. 51 flying over Malta, Natalino Fenech. 01/12/16: 400 migrating over Arnedillo (LO) Fernando G.; 5,363 crossing Navarra, Jesús Mari Lekuona et al.; 500 migrating over SW Madrid, José Mª Traverso; 7 over Nalda, 7 over Alfaro (LO) and 20 over Logroño, which had slept at Las Cañas reservoir (NA), Lidia Alfaro; 29,006 are counted at Gallocanta (Z) S.A.R.G.A.; 2,384 sleep at El Oso lagoon (AV) José Mª García, Jorge Leonor; 13,797 are counted in the western sector of Central Zone of Extremadura, estimating at least 20,000cranes present, José A. Román; 14 Cortalet pool, Castellò d’Empuries (GI); 60 migrating over Cantos Blancos (M) Amparo Moreno; 1,500 La Bazagona (CC) Pilar Goñi; 1,500 River Lobos weir (SA) Guillermo Hernández; 1,000 Sta. Teresa reservoir (SA)Rafael Vicente; 226 over Casarrubios del Monte (M) José Gómez. 42,216 slept at Arjuzanx (France) Patrick Dulau 02/12/16: 800 crossing Navarra, Jesús Mari Lekuonaet al; 80 over Villaviciosa de Odón (M) Ángel Landa; 70 over Toledo, Ángel Velasco; 150 Ataquines (VA) Juan Antonio Medina; 380 over Cienpozuleos (M) José Gómez; 34 El Hondo reservoir (A) Sergio Arroyo, Jacobo Ramos 03/12/16: 32 Albacete, Rafael Torralba, 1,500 Sotonera reservoir (HU) Francisco Quesada; 29 migrating over Rocafort (V) Luis M. Ortolá; 4 Cortalet pool, Castelló d’Empuries (GI) Fulviá Nicolás; 9 Ribera de Algaida (AL); 71 Monte del Pardo dehesas (M) Adolfo Rodríguez. 04/12/16: 55 sleep at Bienvenida (BA) and 94 feeding Hinojosa del Valle (BA) José Ángel Sánchez; 5 over Gautegiz Arteaga (BI) Serafín Alarcón; 2 over Torroella de Montgrí (GI) Enric Fábregas; 6 over Timoneda d’Alfés, Alfés (LL) Víctor Iglesias; 2,500 feeding near Tiétar river (CC), Javier Prieta; 1,100 feeding on stubble Moheda de Gata (CC) José L. Vázquez; 12 La Gallinera rice fields, Castelló d’Empuries (GI) Ramón Aguilar. 28,270 Chantecoq (France) LPO Champagne-Ardenne



Common crane migration and wintering 28 November to 4 December A week of few movements, with migration almost complete and wintering populations settled in traditional zones, although a few remain in breeding areas, such as in Poland. 05/12/16: 1 over Tudela (NA) Juan I. Dean; 1 Mas de les Cigonyes (T) Albert I. Manero; 1,136 are counted atRiver Lobos weir(SA) Pedro Alonso, Miguel Rodríguez, Teresa Sánchez, Diego Sánchez, Rafael Vicente; migrating group over Aranzo de Salce (BU) Raúl Fernández, Rufino Fernández 36,236 are counted at Arjuzanx N.R (France) Patrick Dulau. 06/12/16: 1,331 are counted at Fuente de Piedra lagoon (MA) Javier Fregenal; 1,000atSierra Boyera reservoir (CO) Antonio Pestana; 435 between Hinojosa del Duque and Belalcázar (CO) Juan M. Sánchez; 9 over Portilla del Tiétar in Monfragüe N.P. (CC) and 7 over Talaván reservoir (CC) José C. López; 5,050 sleep at Rosarito reservoir(TO) and 545 Candeleda (AV) Juan Fernández-Elipe (ARDEIDAS); 62 Galisteo (CC) Javier Prieta. 07/12/16: 54 Casas de Don Antonio dehesa (CC) Francisco Lopo: 30,150 are counted at Gallocanta (Z) S.A.R.G.A.; 1,522 sleep at El Oso lagoon (AV) José Mª García; 11 Aquait, Quim French, Gemma Hurtado and 1 Aquait del Bauel,Francesc Dalmau, Castelló d’Empuries (GI) 22,000 have migrated through Sloveniain autumm, Matej Gamser. 08/12/16: 800 slept at Arguedas (NA) Jesús Mari Lekuona; 100 migrating over Taustel (Z) Esther Yera; 30 Campo de Gomara (SO) Juan Luis Hernández 39,700 slept at Arjuzanx (France), Patrick Dulau; 196still at Warta Mouth N.P. (Poland) 09/12/16: 1,258 are countedal La Janda (CA) Arkadiusz Broniarek; 823 in the SW of Los Canchales reservoir (BA) Francisco Lopo; 10 El Salobrar (IB) Jaume Llinàs, 203 Alange reservoir(BA) Joaquín Mazón.



10/12/16: 1,500 sleep at Taray lagoon (TO) Ángel Velasco; 53,781 are counted over Lindus (NA) 39,749 slept at Arjuzanx, N.R,(France), Patrick Dulau 11/12/16: 45 flying over Ávila, José María García; 55 flying over Proserpina reservoir (BA) Elvira del Viejo; 200 feeding in Badija dehesa, 825 sleep near Puerto Mejoral (BA) Manuel Maximiano; 658 sleep by Guadalupejo river, Valdecaballeros (BA) José María Traverso.

Common crane migration and wintering, 5/12 December 2016

After doing the first census, migrating groups are still detected crossing the Peninsula. 06/01/17: 6 flying over Arcos de Jalón (SO) Albert Garzón; 119 crossedNavarra, Jesús Mari Lekuona et al. 08/01/07: Nocturnal migration overAtabal (MA) Antonio Román Muñoz, a family at the Guadalhorce estuary (MA) Javier Plaza Bonilla, Miguel Domínguez Santaella, Javier Fregenal, Juan Ramírez Román; 26 Cuerda Del Pozo reservoir (SO) Jesús Ruíz, Juan Luis Hernández; 40 Arcos del Jalón (SO) Albert Garzón; 70 flying over Madrid, Antonio Luis Nieto; 4,000 Sotonera reservoir, Francisco Quesada, Vicente Vallés. 09/01/07: 63 over Málaga, Sebastián Cardenete 10/01/17: 6,500 are counted at Figarol (NA) Jesús Mari Lekuona 11/01/17: 183 Warta Mouth N.P. (Poland) 12/01/17: 17,246 are counted at Gallocanta (Z), S.A.R.G.A, 37 Monteagudo de las Vicarías reservoir (SO) Juan Luis Hernández; 30 flying over Sartaguada/Pradejón (La Rioja) Jesús Ucha 14/01/17: 23,450 are counted in Central France, Alain Salvi 15/01/17: 1,502 at Taray lagoon (TO), 4 Hervías lagoon (La Rioja) Gobierno de la Rioja. 20,155 are counted at Lac du Der (France) Louis Parisel 16/01/17: 35,847 are counted at ArjuzanxN.R. (France) Patrick Dulau 18/01/17: 20,155 are counted at Chante Coq, Lac du Der (France) Sebastien Merle



THE COMMON CRANE WINTERING IN SPAIN 2016/2017 Once again the season was characterised by an autumn and winter with mild temperatures, little rain and a scarcity of significant frost and/or snow, especially in areas of central Europe. Even though a few birds began to arrive early, nevertheless the bulk of migration occurred in two big waves at the end of October and the second half of November, although the birds continued arriving piecemeal in the following months. At the end of December and beginning of January many birds were still in Germany, until a cold spell pushed them to the north of France (Chantecoq, Lac du Der). A few dozen stayed in Poland all winter. Because of the weather, fields were worked early, and in the traditional areas cranes made good use of the available stubbles then a good number of them transferred to the holm oak dehesas, where they stayed until the end of winter. Dehesa has traditionally been the winter habitat for cranes in the Iberian Peninsula, with the exception of Aragón, and the main reason for the presence of these birds in the peninsula. The increased area of irrigated crops in recent decades, primarily maize and rice, to the detriment of holm oaks, has favoured cranes, and large concentrations of them can be seen in the stubbles. It should be pointed out that that in recent years, large areas of these crops are being replaced by intensively-grown fruit and olive trees, where the birds do not find enough food for their needs, and which in the future will, in all probability, affect their distribution in Spain.

CENSUS AND METHODOLOGY With the aim of knowing the size of the wintering population, two censuses were coordinated in Spain and Portugal on 16 December 2016 and 20 January 2017. To do this, we chose 3 counting methods:

1- Census of resting or dormitory areas. Individual crane populations or nuclei may use one or several places to rest over night, generally using a wetland such as a reservoir, river, farm lagoon, flooded stubble fields etc. althoughthey may also sleep in open dry areas where they feel secure during the night. Usually all the birds of the area congregate in these dormitories, changing the location according to the weather conditions or proximity to feeding areas. Observers generally are at a vantage point from which they can count birds entering or leaving the dormitory, depending on whether the census is done at dusk or dawn. This is the most-used type of census in all the areas.

2- Census of dormitories and feeding areas: This census consists of firstly a journey throughthe feeding area to count cranes, followed by counting at the dormitory, complementing the information obtained. This can also be done by counting at dawn then covering the feeding areas. This method is undoubtedly more complete than counting only at the dormitory.

3- Census of feeding areas: This is a novel method compared to the traditional dormitory counts, and consists of travelling through feeding areas and counting all birds and groups. It is necessary to have a good knowledge of all the birds´ movements to avoid duplicating counts, as well as of the survey area and its topography, to be able to find all the flocks. In the Central Zone of Extremadura, based on the large number of birds present, the many and changing dormitories, and



favourable conditions such as a good network of tracks and a terrain without major obstacles, this has become the standard way since we began these censuses in 2012. Looking at the results we can confirm that is the most efficient way to count these large core groups, and also it can be done with a small team of people.

242,225 cranes were counted in Spain in the December census, this being a new record for the species in Spain to date, and this in turn was exceeded by the 260,549 birds counted in the January census. Adding the number of cranes counted in Portugal gives an Iberian total of 247,982 in December and 271,576 in January. From this we conclude that 64% of the population wintering in SW Europe was in the Iberian Peninsula, having added 130,000 birds counted in the French census, to produce a total of 400,000 wintering cranes. In January 711 cranes were censused in Morocco.

In the following tables and maps we present the results from the December and January censuses, by autonomous regions and counties.

AUTONOMOUS REGION DECEMBER JANUARY

NAVARRA 2,793 81 LA RIOJA 34 8 ARAGÓN 49,573 55,177 CATALUNYA 21 12 COMUNITAT VALENCIANA 27 9 ILLES BALEARS 20 21 MADRID 0 5 CASTILLA Y LEÓN 7,258 6,188 CASTILLA LA MANCHA 38,329 47,855 EXTREMADURA 132,174 127,513 ANDALUCÍA 11,906 23,680

SPAIN 242,225 260,549



Common crane distribution by Autonomous Region in Spain,December2016

Common crane distribution by county in Spain,December 2016



Common crane distribution by Autonomous Region in Spain, January 2017.

Common crane distribution by county in Spain,January 2017



Evolution of the wintering population of cranes in Spain during December, from 1979 to 2017

Comparison of the December and January censuses during the winters 2013 - 2016

0

75000

150000

225000

300000

1979 1980 1985 1988 1996 1998 2001 2004 2007 2013 Ene-14 2014 Ene-15 2015 Ene-16 2016 Ene-17

SPAIN 1979 / 2017

223341

168011178302

197034203669

173872

242225

260549

DICIEMBRE-2013 ENERO-2014 DICIEMBRE 2014 ENERO-2015 DICIEMBRE-2015 ENERO-2016 DICIEMBRE-2016 ENERO-2017



RESULTS BY AUTONOMOUS REGIONS

NAVARRA: In Navarra, the winter followed a similar pattern to other years, with more birds in December than in January, located in four areas. 2,793 birds were counted in December of this season, but then this figure fell to 81

individuals in January. However, looking at the December count, this indicates that Navarra has become a destination for cranes, and they should increase in the future. In the previous winter there was an unseasonal spell that sustained over 5,000 cranes during January and through to the end of the season, when in December only just over 400 birds had been counted. This region is also interesting for cranes since the bulk of post- and pre-breeding migration goes through the Navarra valleys, with more than 160,000 cranes counted in autumn and 146,975 in spring.

DEC JAN

La Rada Navarra Murillo El Cuende 80 0

La Mueda Navarra Aibar 14 0

Arguedas rice fields Navarra Arguedas 333 4

Dos Reinos lagoon Arag/Nava Figarol y Carcastillo 2366 77

NAVARRA

2793 81



ARAGÓN:

The census of 25 areas in Aragón gave a figure of 49,573 cranes counted in December and 55,177in January.

The most important area continues to be Gallocanta, which supported half of the total during the winter; of the other areas, some increased and some decreased in January according to food availability. The Alboré Pool and Sotonera reservoir area was notable, having less than 1,000 birds in December and increasing to 11,000 in January; probably birds moving in from Navarra and other nearby areas, as well as others that came into Spain following the cold spell in Europe. Aragón continued to be the second most important Autonomous Region for wintering cranes and is crucial for spring migration as a strategic location before crossing the Pyrenees, where they can rest and wait for favourable conditions for the crossing. .

DEC JAN

Gallocanta Zaragoza Gallocanta 27491 24144

Santa Anastasia Zaragoza Santa Anastasia 2144 7800

Plano de de Buena Vista Zaragoza Ejea de los Caballeros 7604 883

Valareña Zaragoza Valareña 1850 279

Valdecenicera Zaragoza Quinto de Ebro 5

El Bolar Zaragoza Quinto de Ebro 16

Malvecino reservoir Zaragoza Pinsoro 0 5635

Turruquiel Zaragoza Ejea de los Caballeros 2600 SD

Sopeña Zaragoza Ejea de los Caballeros 900 1700

La Tranquera reservoir Zaragoza Nuévalos 0

Güilguerrero lagoon Zaragoza Cubel 10 0

El Planerón Zaragoza Belchite 745 1128

Salada de Santed Zaragoza Santed 0

Selgua rice fields Huesca Selgua y Monzón 1300 532

Alberca de Alboré/Sotonera Huesca Montmesa 962 11000

Clamor Vieja Huesca Castelflorite 3840 2055

Mijáres riv, Ojos del Babor Teruel Mora de Rubielos 0

El Balsón (Ojos Altos) Teruel Caminreal 4 0

El Arquillo resevoir Teruel San Blas 0 0

Cañizar lagoon Teruel Villarquemado y Cella 0 0

Saladas de Alcañiz Teruel Alcañiz 13

El Pinar pool Teruel Rubiales 0

Lechago reservoir Teruel Lechago 0

Pancrudo river Teruel Navarrete del Río 0

Bezas lagoon Teruel Bezas 0

ARAGÓN

49573 55177



LA RIOJA

La Rioja is a strategically important region, as large numbers of cranes, coming from

Navarra, use it during migration to their wintering quarters. For the first time, cranes were

present on the census dates, either on migration or resting. 34 cranes were counted in

December and 8 in January, in two areas.

DEC JAN

Hervías lagoon Logroño Hervías 4 8

Sartaguda Logroño Sartaguda 30

LA RIOJA

34 8



CATALUNYA

Catalunya had wintering data from four different áreas, only Aigüamolls de l’Empordà definitely had wintering birds. In total, 21 birds were counted in December and 12 in January. Nevertheless, Catalunya is also an interesting region during autumn and spring migration, as it is used by birds migrating along the Mediterranean corridor.

DEC JAN

Aiguamolls del’Empordá Girona Castelló d'Ampuries 11

Riumors rice fields Girona Riumors 18

Das Girona Das 1

Mirador de l'Embut Tarragona Amposta 2

Ivars pool Lleida Ivars d'Urgell 1

CATALUNYA

21 12



Cranes in Aigüamolls de l’Empordá



COMUNITAT VALENCIANA In this region the only regular wintering occurs at the El Hondo reservoir, in Alacant, which is also in a strategic location for birds travelling through the east of Spain before crossing to northern Africa. 10 areas were censused, with positive results in five of them, 27 cranes counted in December and 9 in January. This region is interesting as migration to and from northern Africa passes through the territory; making a more detailed study of this would be most interesting.

DEC JAN

Marjal de Almenara Castelló Xilxes 3

Marjal o Prat de Peñiscola Castelló Peñíscola 0 0

San Mateo lagoon Castelló San Mateo 0 0

Salzadella lagoon Castelló Salzadella 0 0

La Jana lagoon Castelló La Jana 0 0

La Llonga (L'Albufera) Valencia Sueca 4

Racó de l'Olla (L'Albufera) Valencia Racó de l'Olla 2

Los Carrizales (El Hondo) Alacant Elx 15

El Hondo reservoir Alacant Elx 4

Santa Pola salines Alacant Salinas de Santa Pola 8

COMUNITAT VALENCIANA

27 9

Cranes in the reedbeds (with an Estonian juvenile), El Hondo, Alacant



ILLES BALEARS In the Balearic Islands there is a small wintering population every year, which has the unusual characteristic of moving between islands (Mallorca and Ibiza), according to the availability of resources and/or disturbance. 20 birds were counted in December and 21 in January, in four areas.

DEC JAN

Sa Pobla Mallorca Sa Pobla 9

Salobrar de Campos Mallorca Campos 11

Prat de Sant Jordi Mallorca Sant Jordi 3

Ses Salines Ibiza Eivissa 18

ILLES BALEARS

20 21



Cranes in Mallorca, Pedro van der Knoop



MADRID In Madrid, only 5 cranes were censusedin the El Pardo reservoir area, although some birds

had been seen in the dehesas in the week prior to the December census.

DEC JAN

El Pardo reservoir Madrid Madrid 0 5

MADRID

0 5

CASTILLA Y LEÓN The winter in Castilla y León was typical, with birds present in six counties, taking advantage of the recent sowing and stubbles, maintaining their numbers in January only in dehesa areas such as in Salamanca and Ávila. Winter numbers were stable when compared with the number of birds present in other years. Cranes were counted in 13 areas, with 7,258 individuals counted in December and 6,188 in January. The majority of of birds were counted in two areas of Salamanca, which

supported over 80% of the total.



DEC JAN

Monteagudo reservoir Soria Monteagudo de las Vicarías 0 23

La Nava lagoon Palencia Fuentes de Nava, Maza 28 0

Villafáfila lagoon Zamora Otero de Sariegos, Villafáfila 224 123

La Zarza lagoon Valladolid La Zarza 0 0

Los Mullidares lagoon Valladolid Lomoviejo 396 0

La Colada lagoon Valladolid San Vicente del Palacio 62 0

Gomeznarro Valladolid Gomeznarro 49

El Hoyo lagoon Ávila El Oso 864 682

Lavajares lagoon Salamanca Rágama 278 0

Santa Teresa reservoir Salamanca Montejo,Salvatierra, Aldeavieja,Guijuelo 3260 2505

Azud de Rio Lobos Salamanca Campo de Peñaranda, Villar Gallimazo 2094 2850

Puebla de Yeltes Salamanca Puebla de Yeltes SD SD

Cantalejo lagoons Segovia Cantalejo 3 5

CASTILLA Y LEÓN

7258 6183



CASTILLA-LA MANCHA Castilla-La Mancha is the third most important region for cranes in Spain, with a stable population through the winter and adding numbers in January, thanks to the dehesas. Only a few areas on the periphery of Ciudad Real were not counted due to the shortage of local counters, particularly in the Alcudia valley and the dehesas bordering Badajoz. One of the latter was covered by a feeding area census for the first time, having been unknown previously. The censuses produced results of 38,329 individuals in December and 47,855 in January,

in 26 areas checked this season. It is likely that a wider search would increase the number of birds counted.

DEC JAN

Honda, Mendea, Llana lagoon Guadalajara Campillo d Dueñas 110 0

Los Majanos lagoon Guadalajara Setiles 0 0

Tordesilos lagoon Guadalajara Tordesilos 0 0

La Torrecilla lagoon Albacete Pétrola 18 63

Casa de Villora lagoon Albacete Chinchilla de Montearagón 51

Alarcón reservoir Cuenca Honrubia, Hontecillas, V.Júcar, Cllo Gar. 872 5723

Manjavacas lagoon Cuenca Mota del Cuervo 2558 3485

Del Hito lagoon Cuenca Montalbo 5300 3200

Castrejón reservoir Toledo Burujón, Polanón 1070 1063

Rosarito reservoir Toledo Oropesa 6365 4581

Navalcán reservoir Toledo Navalcán 6132 7346

Taray lagoon Toledo Quero 1304 2422

Peña Hueca lagoon Toledo Villacañas 260 0

El Verdugal Toledo Oropesa 1161 2193

El Grullo lagoon Toledo La Calzada de Oropesa 2315 3665

Tirez lagoon Toledo Villacañas 0

Camino de Villafranca lagoon C.Real Alcázar de San Juan 5 11

Pajares lagoon C.Real Alcázar de San Juan 975 601

Salicor lagoon C.Real Alcázar de San Juan 658 237

Torre de Abraham reservoir C.Real Retuerta del Bullaque 6666 6859

Las Povedas reservoir C.Real Alcoba 240 1856

Tablas de Daimiel N.P. C.Real Daimiel,Villarrubia de los Ojos 2320 4146

Boniate CReal Chillón 116

La Veleta C.Real Tirteafuera 157

Los Quintillos C.Real Veredas 80

CASTILLA-LA MANCHA

38329 47855



EXTREMADURA Extremadura continues to be the most important region for Iberian, and European, cranes, given that it holds more than half of the peninsula´s wintering birds, and the largest wintering population in Western Europe. For practical reasons, we divide the region into three main sectors, or nuclei: the Tajo Sector, within Cáceres county; the Guadiana Sector, which hosts the birds in Badajoz; and the Central Zone Sector, which comprises the birds in the upper floodplain of the River Guadiana and which is shared between the two counties. This sector is of major strategic importance as it acts as a channel for birds wintering in the Central Zone, Badajoz, Portugal and border areas of northern Andalucía (Córdoba), besides holding the bulk of the wintering birds, (hosting up to 65% of the birds in December), and as the winter progresses birds move out to the edges in search of dehesas as the stubble fields are cleared, and which tends to be reflected in lower numbers in January. At the end of winter it is used again as a corridor for birds on the return migration. 132,174 cranes were counted in the region in December, and 127,513 was the result of the

January census, counted in 47 areas and 11 sub-sectors of the Central Zone, where, because of the complex nature of the local population, we count in the feeding areas. A clear reduction in numbers was noted in Extremadura, by almost 5,000 birds, in the second part of the winter, but even so, we can say the population remained stable during the winter. The number of birds in both county sectors went up in January and decreased in the Central Zone by the amount already shown.



DEC JAN

Borbollón reservoir Cáceres Santibáñez el Alto 8502 7258

Gabriel y Galán reservoir Cáceres Zarza de Granadilla 1551 2847

Tiétar river-Monfragüe Cáceres Malpartida de Plasencia 1830 6195

El Palancoso lagoon Cáceres Navalmoral de la Mata 1732 518

Cañada del Venero Cáceres Talayuela 729 572

Torviscoso lagoon Cáceres Torviscoso 916

Valdecañas reservoir Cáceres Peraleda de la Mata, El Gordo 757 5912

Sector Brozas/Alcántara Cáceres Brozas 1253 983

Talaván reservoir Cáceres Talaván 576 670

Cuartón/Tejarejos reservoir Cáceres Monroy 654 927

Las Seguras Cáceres Cáceres 92 167

Valdesalor reservoir/Generala Cáceres Cáceres 853 886

Aldea del Cano reservoir Cáceres Aldea del Cano 534 1173

El Campazo lagoon Cáceres Trujillo 317 434

Tozo/Labradillo rivers Cáceres Trujillo 172 320

Arroyo Casillas reservoir Cáceres Trujillo 56 212

El Águila reservorir Cáceres Torrecillas de la Tiesa 680 576

Almansa, Guadalupejo river Badajoz Valdecaballeros 1180 2110

Recula Orellana reservoir Badajoz Talarrubias 127 217

Guadalemar/Siruela Badajoz Garbayuela/Siruela 2116 4029

Las Bodeguillas Badajoz Esparragosa de Lares 1087 408

Valverde pool Badajoz Villanueva de la Serena 485 508

Sector Madrigalejo-Casa Hitos Cáceres Madrigalejo/Navalvillar de Pela 7657 5737

Sector Acedera-Puercas Badajoz Acedera/Don Benito 7745 1621

Sector Las Rañas-El Alandre Badajoz C. Pedro/Navalvillar P./P.Alcocer 10578 8835

Sector Moheda-Vegas Altas Badajoz Acedera/Navalvillar de Pela 8321 5129

Sectores Yelbes/Medellín Badajoz Medellín/Sta. Amalia/Guareña 14156 8074

Sector Valdehornillos/Búrdalo BA/CC Sta. Amalia/D.Benito/Miajadas 17254 12327

Sector Villar de Rena/Alcollarín BA/CC Villar Rena/Campo Lugar 10815 3414

Sector Logrosán/Zarzalejo Cáceres Logrosán 4122 1460

Sector Guadámez/Búrdalo Badajoz Guareña/Sta.Amalia 3064 9413

Sector Palazuelo/La Mata BA/CC Madrigalejo 2278 1648

Sector Los Guadalperales Badajoz Acedera/Madrigalejo 4310 2475

Cortijo del Zangallón Badajoz Villar del Rey, Alburquerque 534 1118

La Cuba/Morante Badajoz La Roca de la Sierra 196 665

Canchales reserv/Las Tiendas Badajoz Mérida 2958 4471

Cornalvo reserv./Cerros Verdes Badajoz Mérida 108 62

La Albuera lagoons Badajoz Torre de Miguel Sesmero 185 488

Villalba resevoir Badajoz Villalba de los Barros 96 192

Alange reservoir Badajoz Alange/Palomas/Almendralejo 486 559

Las Merinillas Badajoz Badajoz, Valverde de Leganés 1022 1650

Cuncos reservoir Badajoz Villanueva del Fresno 891 1228

Alqueva reservoir, Friegamuñoz Badajoz Cheles, Vva. Fresno, Olivenza 326 460

Dehesa de la Guarda Badajoz La Guarda 78 134

Las Torralbas Badajoz Magacela 167 195

Badija Norte Badajoz Campanario 0 495

Badija Este Badajoz Quintana de la Serena 898 3028



La Reyerta Badajoz Quintana de la Serena 380

Puerto Mejoral Badajoz Benquerencia de la Serena 584 1381

Almorchón Badajoz Cabeza del Buey 240 667

Zarza Capilla Badajoz Zarza Capilla 242 793

Capilla/Dehesa de las Yuntas Badajoz Capilla 726 1620

Monterrubio (río Zújar) Badajoz Monterrubio de la Serena 365 684

El Rosal reservoir Badajoz Peraleda del Zaucejo 2900 3800

Arroyo de la Mata Badajoz Granja de Torrehermosa 969

Arroyo Conejo reservoir Badajoz Berlanga, Higuera de Llerena 1433 2138

Dh de San Pedro Badajoz Casas de Reina 531 204

Usagre/Matanegra Badajoz Usagre 55 1483

La Osa Badajoz Retamal de Llerena 379 1000

El Moral reservoir Badajoz Los Santos de Maimona 213 647

EXTREMADURA

132174 127513



ANDALUCÍA Andalucía is the fourth most important region for wintering cranes in Spain and 26 areas were censused, with a total of 11,996 individuals counted in December and 23,680 in January. Figures were within the range of previous winters during December; however numbers of birds increased, mainly with data from Córdoba county. Córdoba is a strategically important county for migration, and very important in the second half of January because of the dehesas, of which extensive tracts of holm oaks in good condition remain, offering food and shelter to the species. Bordering Badajoz, it shares birds across the boundary. The population of cranes in this county was in decline earlier this century, without any apparent cause, given that there had been little change in the habitat during those years. Without doubt the decrease of birds in Extremadura has had a positive effect in this county, as well as more efficient tracking of the species by the census participants, who worked hard, considering that this is a remote population for people travelling to the northern edge of the county.

DEC JAN

Solana de Guadamatilla Córdoba Belalcázar 521 3620

Colada/Cogollarta reservoir Córdoba El Viso 591 607

Sierra Boyera reservoir Córdoba Peñarroya/Pueblonuevo 1150 1346

Fuente la Zarza Córdoba Hinojosa del Duque 227 2180

Jardoso reservoir Córdoba Hinojosa del Duque 711 1321

Valhondo-Campo Cerero reser Córdoba Hinojosa del Duque 1002

Peñalazorra y Matallana lagoo Córdoba La Granjuela 223 0

Navalespino reservoir Córdoba Los Blázquez 0 1130

Zújar river (Pizarrila) Córdoba Belalcázar 735 2575

Dehesa de Bucaré Sevilla Alcalá de Guadaira 284 351

Dehesa de las Monjas Sevilla Arahal SD SD

Cantarita (marsh Guadalquivir/Doñana) Sevilla Aznalcázar 3120 Caracoles (PND) Sevilla Aznalcázar 48 R.B.Guadiamar (PND) Sevilla Aznalcázar 29 Las Nuevas (PND) Sevilla Aznalcázar

4260

R.B.Guadiamar Lucio del Lobo Chico (PND) Sevilla Aznalcázar

318

R.B. Guadiamar Sur de FAO (PND) Sevilla Aznalcázar

140

Marismillas (PND) Huelva Almonte 64 Odiel river Huelva Gibraleón 169 0

Tinto river Huelva San Juan del Puerto 82 419

Fuente de Piedra lagoon Málaga Fuente de Piedra 1990 1274

Málaga Málaga Málaga 2

La Janda Cádiz Tarifa/Tahivilla 2050 1630

Trebujete Cádiz Jerez de la Frontera 0

Mesas de Astra/Trebujera Cádiz Trebujena/Mesas de Astra 0 1507

ANDALUCIA 11996 23680



Cranes feedin on acoms in dehesa, Villanueva del Fresno (Badajoz)



THE COMMON CRANE MIGRATION IN SPAIN: SPRING 2017. In contrast with autumn migration, which occurs in waves over two months, the pre-breeding migration happens rapidly, in a short period of time. Wintering areas can be abandoned in under a week. By the end of January the first flocks can be seen migrating north-eastwards, although it will not be until the second week of February that migration really begins. This year the journey began on the 16th, being noted in many areas, and migration increased in intensity on Sunday 19th. Meanwhile in France, cranes had rapidly left their wintering areas and were in many areas of Germany, and the first ones were arriving in Poland. Mass migration began on the 24th with tens of thousands arriving at Gallocanta. The main departure happened on the 27th and 28th of February and the 1st of March and although bad weather held them up in France, delaying their arrival in the north of that country and Belgium for a week, many thousands still persevered towards Germany, and a Lithuanian family group followed their autumn route in reverse, with hardly a break (the first confirmation of this movement). At the beginning of March, waves of birds, including cranes, were seen crossing the Straits from the north of Africa, or heading directly eastwards. 21/01/17: 4 Salburua (AR) Xabier Azua. 24/01/17: 3 Marjal d’Almadrá, Sagunt (V) Joan Balfagón 25/01/17: Some groups over Alía (CC) Jorge Ángel Herrera 28/01/17: 270 crossing from Morocco to La Janda (C) Arkadiusz Broniarek 29/01/17: 80 migrating over Llerena (BA) Rafael Vicente. 31/01/17: 17 over Jarandilla (CC) Alejandro Rodríguez García. 01/02/17: 216 flying over Las Pedroñeras (CU) María Luisa Ruiz; 52 over Gredos mountains (AV) Santiago Gaitán. 02/02/17: 40 over Las Rozas (M) Adolfo Rodríguez. 05/02/17: 850 sleep at Manjavacas (CU) Kees Wourtensen; 1,524 sleep at Taray lagoon (TO) Ángel Velasco. 06/02/17: 5 over Santa Águeda, El Hondo (A) Sergio Arroyo 08/02/17: Some groups setting off from Borbollón reservoir (CC) Gregorio Naharro 09/02/17: 15 over Huesca, Pablo Vallés, some groups setting off from Gallocanta (Z) Francisco Javier Sampietro; 3 groups migrating over Montes de Toledo (CR) Néstor Conde; 726 sleep at El Oso lagoon (AV) José María García; 14,148 are counted at Gallocanta (Z) S.A.R.G.A, (where 40,000 cranes have already left). 10/02/17: 500 migrating over Cinco Villas (Z), 400 arrive at Alera and Dos Reinos lagoon (AR/NA) Esther Yera. 11/02/17: 16 Villalba de los Barros reservoir (BA) José A. Leal. 14/02/17: 14,409 migrating over Bordeaux (France) 15/02/17: 8,112 sleep at Figarol (NA) Jesús M. Lekuona; 564 migrating over Navarra, Jesús M. Lekuona; 170 migrating over Valladolid, José Manuel Onrubia; 1,100 sleep at Manjavacas lagoon (TO) Antonio Paredes; No migration in the Central Zone of Extremadura, José A. Román; 15 la Nava lagoon (P) Serv.Territorial de M.A. Palencia; 160 Villafáfila lagoon (Z) Mariano Rguez. Alonso; 5,000+ migrating over Villarejo de Salvanés (M) 16/02/17: Active migration over San Miguel de Valero (SA) Paloma Iglesias; 2,366 crosssing Navarra, Jesús Mª Lekuona et al, 250 migrating over Valladolid, Juan Aª Medina;



7,628 are counted at Gallocanta (Z) S.A.R.G.A.; 2 groups migrating over night over Soria, Juan Luis Hernández; 150 leaving Gallocanta (Z) Francisco J. Sampietro; 7 Camprodón (GI) Joan Vidal; 870 flying over Chapineria in three groups (M) Alfredo Mirat. 17/02/17: 598 El Oso lagoon (AV) José María García; 300 migrating over Colmenar Viejo (M) Sofía Moreno; 250 over Ainsá (HU) Francisco Quesada; 680 and 130 over Chapinería (M) Rubén Bautista; several thousand migrating over Ruecas river valley(BA) Manuel Gómez Calzado; 200 over Toledo, Néstor Conde; 300 over Don Benito (BA) Fernando Yuste; 139 over Catalañazor (SO) Juan Luis Hernández; 250 over Cuesta de las Nieves (TO) Ángel Velasco; 60 over Panseque (Z) Marco Escudero, Eilén Fdez Ardaiz; 300 over Aranjuez (M) Juan Carlos L.M.; 284 over Navalucillos (TO) Jordi Pérez, José Vicente Oropesa; 80 over Arrocampo reservoir(CC) Hugo Sánchez; 6,552 sleep at Tablas de Daimiel N.P. (CR) Manuel Carrasco; 150, 82, 50 migrating over Quintanilla del Agua (BU) Israel Yáñez, Manuel Mata; 41 over Valverde de Miranda (BU), David Martínez, Gema Ruiz; several thousand over Jarama valley (M) Juaco Grijota; 659 over Chapinería (M) Alfredo Mirat; .42 over Colmenar Viejo (M) César Giraldo; 50 resting at Beleña lagoon (GU) Agustín Mariscal; 3,000 over Valdepiélagos (M) Alicia Núñez. 18/02/17: 600 sleep at Aldeafuente (SO) Juan Luis Hernández; 2,216 sleep at El Taray lagoon (TO) Ángel Velasco; 120 sleep at Guarrero lagoon, Tardajos de Duero (SO) Oriol Tello, Jesús Ruiz, Juan Luis Hernández; 600 cross Madrid in 30 minutes, Goyo Para; 10,000+ cross in 4 hours over La Almunia de Doña Godina (Z) Eva Garzón; several thousand departing from Búrdalo/Guadámez rivers (Medellín, BA) Fernando Yuste; 968 departing from Alboré pool (HU), 1,000 remaining, Francisco Quesada; 450, 170, 100 and 72 crossing over Retuerta del Bullaque (CR) Gerardo García; 120 and 220 over Vegas de Tajuña (M) Fátima Molina; 140 over Almonte river (CC); 240 over Montes de Toledo (CR); 175 over Jusibol (Z) Eduardo Gil Iralde; 90 over Gurrea de Gállego (HU) Marco Escudero, Ailén Fernández; 120 and 510 over Pinseque (Z) Marco Escudero, Ailén Fernández; 30 over Torres de Berrellén (Z) Marco Escudero; 20 over Saucedilla (CC) Hugo Sánchez; 5,000in several groups migrating over Mora (TO); 250 over Alfaro (LO) Andrés Armendáriz; 8 atHervías lagoon (LO) Lidia Roncero; 3,000/5,000 sleep at Castrejón reservoir (TO) Ángel Velasco; 1,100 over Pezuela-Corpa (M) Juan Carlos del Moral; 134 over River Lobos canyon (SO) Juan L.Hernández; 711 over Guarrero lagoon (SO) Juan Luis Hernández; 8 at Herrera lagoon (SO) Jesús Herrera, Juan L. Hernández. 19/02/17: 95 leave Villacañas (TO) Ángel Velasco; at 11:07h 12,000 leave from Gallocanta lagoon (Z), where they had arrived the night before, Antonio Torrijo, Eva Gascón; afterwards they are seen over Pozuelo de Aragón/Rueda de Jalón (Z) Eduardo Gil Iralde; 13,826 have crossed Navarra this week, Jesús Mari Lekuona et al.; 560 leave Pedroches (CO) Juan Manuel Sánchez; 2,300 migrating over Cantalpino (SA) Franceco Cosme; 6,000arrive at Gallocanta (Z), Antonio Torrijo; 750 over Yébenes/Ventas de Peña Aguilera (TO) Jose Luis Varona. The map covering the period 21/01 to 19/02 shows the migration situation during the month, using the data received and/or collected from various sources; cranes surely crossed the counties of Segovia and Guadalajara, although there were no reports to confirm this. A significant proportion of the population remained in Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha.



Common crane (Grus grus) distribution and migrationin Spain, 19/01/17-19/02/17

A week with a lot of movement; after a few days with Saharan dust in the air, making visibility poor, significant contingents of cranes began to migrate, although the majority stayed in their winter strongholds. 20/02/17: 9,866 sleep at Figarol (NA) and 5,500 leave on migration, Jesús Mari Lekuona; 12,000 leave Gallocanta (Z) Eva Gascón, of which 4,000 rest at Sotonera reservoir (HU) Pablo Valles, joining 1,000birds already there; 2,785 resting in Pedroches (CO) Juan Manuel Sánchez; 1,500 feeding between Toledo and Puebla Nueva de la Cruz, Ángel Velasco; 30, 45 and 60 over Villaviciosa de Odón (M); 35 over Fuente Saz del Jarama (M) Alicia Núñez. 21/02/17: 10,000 leave Gallocanta (Z) at 11:44, Eva Gascón,and 3,000 remain at Sotonera reservoir, Pablo Vallés; 70 over Alfaro (LO) Andrés Armendáriz, another 54, José Ochagavia; 100 flying over Rodellar, Guara mountains (HU) Francisco Quesada; active migration over Roncal valley (NA); 62 over Logroño, Ignacio Gómez; 33 over Oión (AR) Javier Robres; 2,630 through Belagua Pass (NA) Jesús Mari Lekuona; 370 over Monteagudo de las Vicarías reservoir (SO) Tomas Pinilla; 56 over el Molinillo (CR) Támara Gutiérrez; 330 over Valladolid, María A. López; at least 6,000birds in the Central Zone of Extremadura, José A. Román; 60 over Espot pass (LL) Montserrat Bacardit; 6 over Quintanilla del Agua (BU) Israel Yáñez; some migratory groups over Alange (BA): 400, 50, 70 and 40, Marc Gálvez.



Cranes in dehesa at the end of February, Casas de Don Pedro (BA)

22/02/17: 200 migrating over Alfaro (LO) Andrés Armendáriz; 600 over Aguilar del Río Alhama (LO) Lidia Roncero; 300 over Sotos de Alfaro (LO) Andrés Armendáriz; 6,315 leaving Sotonera reservoir (HU) Pablo Valles; 1 Las Cañas, Viana (NA) Andrés Bernard; significant migration over Catalañazor (SO): 500, 160, 500, 280, 286, 210 and 300, Juan Luis Hernández; 891 over Aguilar del Río Alhama (LO) Serv. Medio Ambiente de La Rioja; 200 migrating over Retuerta del Bullaque (CR) Néstor Conde; 4 over Riumors (GI) Ramón Aguilar; 5 over Behobia, Irún (G) Pello Oyarzabal; 300 migrating over Bentas, Irún (G) Xavier Gárate, José F. Esparza; 80 flying over Chapineria (M) Alfredo Mirat; 2 at the Guadalhorce river (MA) Antonio Tamayo; 50 over El Pardohills (M) Toni Alonso. 24,000 cranes have crossed the Pyrenees from Navarra since the beginning of pre-nuptial migration, Jesús Mari Lekuona 23/02/17: Migration stopped as a result of weather conditions caused by the arrival of an air massloaded with dust from Africa, which obscured visibility.17 La Janda (C) Arkadiusz Broniarek; 9,000are counted at Gallocanta (Z) S.A.R.G.A., 46 over Lavapiés (M); some groups migrating over Txingudi (G) Juan F. Esparcia 24/02/17: A resting day in Aragón and Navarra, although migration starts again in the rest of the country. In the Central Zone of Extremadura persistant fog discourages them in the first hours, but when it dissipates they set off. In Yelbes they begin to leave from 12:02: 81, 51, 16, 86 and 120, José A. Román; some groups migrating through Puerto del Milagro (CR) Néstor Conde; 500 migrating over Almonte river (CC) Manuel Gómez; 48 over Retuerta de Bullaque (CR) then during the afternoon: 600, 350, 100, 100, 200 and 100, Gerardo García; 1,500 resting in Aldealafuente (SO) Juan Luis Hernández; 500 sleep at Manjavacas lagoon (CU) Antonio Paredes; 80 and 300 over Monfragüe (CC) César Clemente, some groups migrating over la Canchaleja reservoir (CC) Raúl Granados; 1,948 slept at Figarol (NA) Jesús Mari Lekuona; 1,000 migrating over Saucedilla (CC) Neil Renwick.



Group of cranes at the moment of starting migration in Yelbes (BA) 02/24/17 12:02 p.m.

25/02/17: 1,500 slept at Aldeafuente and Guarrera lagoon (SO) and then left on migration at 09:40 a.m. Juan Luis Hernández; 1,420 leave Gallocanta (Z) Antonio Torrijo; at 09:15 a.m. 47 leave Montmesa (HU) and 519 at 10:43 a.m., Pablo Vallés; 1,000 set off from Gallocanta at 09:46 a.m., Antonio Torrijo; 700 Entregaderas lagoon, Aldeahuela de las Flores (SA) Néstor Conde; 400 over Alfaro (LO) Andrés Armendáriz; 310, 200 and 250 over La Nava (LO), and many groups over Ebro river, Jesús Ucha; some groups migrating over San Miguel de Valeroso (SA) Cristina Giner; 82 over Villarreal de San Carlos (CC) José A. Leal; 150 over Campanario (BA), Manuel Maximiano; 200 over Colmenar Viejo (M) Sofía Moreno; 110 crossing the Pyrenees, Francisco J. Sampietro; numerous groups begin to arrive at Gallocanta (Z) at 14:22, Antonio Torrijo; 55 migrating over Alfaro (LO) Andrés de la Torre; 60 arrive at Sotonera reservoir (HU) Silvia Duque and 249 at 15:52; 2,000 at Peña Hueca lagoon (TO); several thousand crossing over Madrid, Pedro Cáceres, Alfonso Ojea; several hundred over Soria, Juan Luis Hernández; 30,000 arrive at Gallocanta (Z) Francisco Quesada, and groups continue to arrive; 257 La Janda (C) Arkadiusz Broniarek; 290 over Tarifa (C) Andrés de la Cruz; 4,000 at Montmesa (HU) Pablo Vallés; 157 Granja de Torrehermosa (BA) Miguel Corvillo; 1,500 Guarrera lagoon (SO) Daniel Fernández, Juan L. Hernández; 270 Lavajares lagoon (SA); 56 over Olmedo (VA) Fernando Sanz; 300 migrating over Cañaveral (CC) Eduardo Barroso; 69 over Aranjuez (M) Blanca Díaz; several hundred over Villanueva del Pardillo (M); 300 over Candeleda (AV) David García Caro; 191 (13, 32, 146) migrating over Avinyonet de Puigventós (GI) Marc Puig; 150 over Lles de Cerdanya (LL) Xesco Puigdomenech; 500 over Alcalá de Henares (M) Antonio Rodríguez, 380 flying over Olmedo (VA) José Luis de la Cruz; 2,000 migrating over the Tiétar valley (CC) Pepe Guisado, Pilar Goñi; 9 migrating over Penelles (LL) Andrea Peralta; 9,000cranes over during 5 hours between Chapinería and Navas del Rey (M); 400 over Leganés, José Fimia, José Gallego, Jesús Morena, Alfredo Mirat; 1,960 over Villaviciosa de Odón (M); 2,000 Peña Hueca lagoon(TO) J.A. Sarry; 10 El Hondo (A) José Navarro; 2,500, 1,500 and 100 over Valdepiélagos (M) Alicia Núñez; 4 Herrera lagoon (SO) Juan L. Hernández; 1,200 over Pica (M) Juan Carlos del Moral.



Lithuanian Crane-1, which spent the winter at Navalcán, set off at 08:58, flew over Colmenar Viejo (M) at 14:25 at 1184 masl and at 81km/h, passed Sigüenza at 16:57 at 2176 masl at 74km/h and arrived at Gallocanta (Z) at 18:33 from 1079 masl and at 49km/h. 26/02/17: 45,390 at dawn at Gallocanta (Z) and at 09:39 they start the migration, all the birds leaving in two hours, Francisco Quesada, Antonio Torrijo, Luis Salguero, José Ángel Sánchez.Later they are detected crossing over Sigües, Roncal, Lumbier, Leyre and other Navarra hills, 54,333 birds being counted making the crossing, Jesús Mari Lekuona et al; 500 resting Campanario/Castuera (BA) Manuel Maximiano; 300+ in Yelbes (BA) Paloma Iglesias; 500+ over las Matas (M) Arturo Ruíz de la Hoz; several hundred over Cañamero/Logrosán; 1,300 leave Guarrera lagoon (SO) Iván Aparicio; 1,200 leave Monteagudo de las Vicarías reservoir (SO) David Castrillo; 2,541 set off from Montmesa (HU) Pablo Vallés; 4,000 over Sotoserrano (SA) Álvaro Martín; 20 over Valdecañas (CC) Sofía Moreno; 86 and 120 migrating over the San Serván mountains(BA) Antonia Cangas; 200 over Villacañas (TO) Ángel Velasco; 6,085 of the Gallocanta cranes are seen over Pinseque (Z) Marco A. Escudero and 50 over Burgo de Ebro (Z) José Benito; 100 over Valdepeñas de la Sierra (GU) Javier Cebrián; 67 migrating over the Hornachos mountains(BA) María Teresa Expósito; 1,854 arrive at La Sotonera (HU) 500 migrating over Navaridas (AR) Gabriel García; 250 at the Alarcón reservoir (CU) Agustín Villodre; 500 over Las Rozas (M) Aurora Pimentel; 80 over Cabañeros N.P. (CR); 200 and 500 migrating over El Carrascalejo (BA) Agapito J. Verde; 2,000 migrating over Jaca (HU).

Common crane migration, 20/26 February 2017



The week 27 February-2 March is significant for migration, as during this time more than half of the wintering birds cross the Pyrenees, primarily from Navarra and Huesca, although some go from Catalunya, having been pushed east by the wind. 27/02/17: 15,720 at Gallocanta(Z) leave on migration, with the exception of 100 which remain at the lagoon, Antonio Torrijo, Luis Sanabria, José Ángel Sánchez. From 15:50 several thousand begin to arrive at Montmesa (HU), some of which had left and were returning, Pablo Vallés.4,740 over Burgo de Ebro, and 150 over Figueruelas, Ailén Fernández Artáiz, Marco Aº Escudero, another 100 over Figueruelas, Clara Cortés, 400 over Zuera, Eduardo Gil Irralde, 80 over El Burgo de Ebro, Marco Aº Escudero, Diego Benito, José Benito, 100 over Zuera, Eduardo Gil Irralde, 3,300 and another 100 over El Burgo de Ebro, Marco Aº Escudero, José Benito; 16,000+ migrating over Ruecas river (BA), plus 600 and 1,200, Manuel Gómez Calzado; 10 at La Aldea del Obispo (CC) Neil Renwick; 13 over Cañas, Viana (NA) Jesús Ucha; 1,000 migrating through Cáseda (NA) Jesús Mari Lekuona; 2 at Villalba de los Barros reservoir (BA) José A. Leal; 90 over S. Martín de Montalbán castte (TO) Néstor Conde; 98 over Mérida, José A. Román; 200, 50, 70, 70 and 130 over Retuerta del Bullaque (CR); 3,600 crossing the Pyrenees from Navarra, Jesús Mari Lekuona et al; 820 over Romanzado (NA) Juan I. Dean; 185 over Ochagavia (NA) Juan I. Dean; 200, 150 over Torrejón el Rubio (CC) Pablo Galiano; 60 at the Tirez lagoon (TO) J.A. Sarry; 70 over Villagonzalo (BA) Fergus Crystal; 80 over Sant Ponç reservoir, Clariana de Cardener (LL) Fermín Fontenes, J. Cabrera; 8 migrating over Torremocha (CC) Frans Meijs. Lithuanian Crane-1 left Gallocanta (Z) at 10:55, going over Alagón at 13.39h at 61km/h and 439masl and reached a dormitory at a lagoon near Ejea de los Caballeros at 22:50 at 72km/h, entering the DM at 23:02. The Estonian crane “Mati” arrived at Gallocanta in the afternoon, with its parents and the leucistic female which spent the winter in the Central Zone of Extremadura. 28/02/17: Lithuanian Crane-1 departs at 08:08, going over Berdún (73 km/h and 1442 masl.) at 12:42; it goes over Isaba at 13:04 (85 km/h and 1,565 masl), crossing the French border at Kartxela (NA) at 13:16 (112 km/h and 2,201 masl); at 13:17 it is flying over France (148 km/h). At 14:04 it flies to the west of Pau (84 km/h and 1,382 masl) arriving at the dormitory near Brive-la-Gallarde at 19:11. At dawn 80,000+ cranes are counted at Gallocanta (Z) Demetrio Vidal Agustín, Ángel Soriano Hereña. Between 08:10 and 09:40 the majority migrate, leaving only 2,000 cranes at the lagoon,Antonio Torrijo, José Ángel Sánchez, Luis Salguero.At 12:20 4,000 birds arrive from the south-west; 456 migrating over La Albuera lagoons (BA) José A. Leal, Francisco de la Cruz; 40 over Don Benito (BA) Encarna Báez; 150 over Todrà (LL) Vittorio Pedrocchi; 25 over Campanario (BA) Manuel Maximiano; 480 go throughMonzón (HU) and they turn around because of the strong north wind,José Damian Moreno; 4,000+ over Ainsá (HU) Francisco Quesada.The bulk of the birds that left Gallocanta crossed the Pyrenees between Aragón and Catalunya; 160 migrating over Castelló d'Empuries (GI) Gemma Hurtado; 225 over Llançà (GI) Ponç Feliu; 40 over El Puixet park (B) Daniel González Martín; 30 over Sant Quize de Besora (B) Jordi Erra; 110 over Banyoles (GI) Gerard Dalmau; 60 over Linyola (LL) Vittorio Pedrocchi; 107 over Llicà d'Amunt (B) Carlos López; 137 migrating through Rabós (GI) Joan Budó; 16 through Navarra valleys, Jesús Mari Lekuona; 7,000 sleep at Sotonera reservoir(HU) Francisco Quesada; 530 at La Janda(CA), Arkadiusz Borniarek,most of the birds have crossed from Africa; 28 over Roselló (LL) Stijn Raymaekers; 40 at the Brazo del Este, Doñana N.P. (SE) Francisco J. Salcedo. Lithuanian Crane-1 sleepsat the big lagoon at Hamonville, west of Nancy, just 100km from the German border.



Lithuanian Crane-2 sets off on migration from Casas de Don Pedro (BA) at 10:05, crossing Cijara reservoir at 10:30 (100 km/h and 929 masl.), leaving Extremadura by Cabañeros N.P. at 12:20, over flying Retuerta del Bullaque (CR) at 12:40; at 14:10 it flies over Tarancón (CU), at 16:32 it flies over Sierra de los Caldereros (GU), arriving at Gallocanta (Z)at 17:32 to spend the night. In Limousin (France) a single observer counted 24,000 cranes migrating between 12:30 and 14:30

Common cranesat Gallocanta 28/02/17

Common cranes at Aiguamolls de l’Empordá, Girona 28/02/17

01/03/17: 23,400 at Gallocanta lagoon (Z) at dawn, Antonio Torrijo; 800 slept at Figarol (NA) Jesús Mari Lekuona; 300 slept at the Pineta reservoir (HU) Carmelo; 173 slept at the



Manjavacas lagoon (CU) Antonio Paredes; 110 and 60 migrating over Sariñena (HU), Francisco Javier Sampietro; 380 in El Cortalet pond, Aiguamolls de l'Empordà (GI) Glòria Rosas At Gallocanta the migration begins at 09:03, and 22,400 leave for the north, 400 of them being detected in Bardallur and 100 at La Muela (Z) Eduardo Gil Iralde. 4,000 birds arrive at Gallocanta during the day, Antonio Torrijo; 1,300 crossed Navarra on this day; 350 migrating over Manlleu (B) Carles Martorell; 210 over Sant Quirze de Besora (B) Jordi Erra; 180 overel Poal (LL) Anna Varés; 15at the Pego-Oliva pond (V) Rob Lutke Schipholt, Pau Gandía; 150 remain between Acedera and Navalvillar de Pela (BA) Manuel Gómez Calzado; 200 over Jaca (HU) Cristina Ruíz,several hundred depart from the Pedroches area (CO) Antonio Conejo; 20 between Obando and Logrosán (CC) Agapito J. Verde; 1,000 migrating over Palazuelo (BA) Raúl Granados. Lithuanian Crane-2 departs from Gallocanta at 08:27, flying over Zaragoza at 12:02,crossing the border with France by Aragües del Puerto (HU) at 16:10 at 2,345 masl and continues to Pau (16:47), at 17:07 it changes course near Paisance from N towards ENE, reaching Albi at 19:50,it continues the journey until leavingthe Saone valley at 00:45 near Romans-sur-Isere, passing to the the west of Lyon at 01:02 and at 07:38 the flock stops, after flying all night, south of Chalon-sur-Saone to rest, covering about 650km. The first cranes arrive in Sweden and Lithuania. In the French Pyrenees a single observer counts 18,000 birds

Due to strong wind, many had to spend the night at Pyrenean reservoirs of Sobrarbe (HU) from where they left this day.Photo taken from Casa Gerbe, Ainsa.



Cranes crossing over Monte Perdido (HU) 03/01/17

02/03/17: 4 at El Oso lagoon (AV) José María Hernández; 10,000 leave from Gallocanta (Z) at 09:30, Antonio Torrijo, 140 over Pinseque (Z) Ailén Fdez. Ardaiz; 450 over Puebla del Prior (BA) José Angel Sánchez; 300 and 400 migrating over Campanario (BA) Manuel Maximiano; 300 over Buendía reservoir(CU) Antonio Rodríguez; 250 leave from the Pedroches area (CO) Juan Manuel Sánchez Esquinas; 300 migrating over Santa Amalia (BA) Fernando Yuste, 27 birds near Yelbes; 60 over the River Tíetar near Jaraíz de la Vera (CC) Neil Renwick; 300 over Retuerta del Bullaque (CR) Gerardo García; 80 migrating over Navalmoral de la Mata (CC) Alberto Cansado; 200 over Sant Quirze del Besora (B) Jordi Erra; 19,000 arrive at Gallocanta (Z) in the afternoon, Antonio Torrijo; 500 migrating over Logrosán (CC) Ángel Sánchez; 2,000 over Navalucillos (TO) José Vicente Oropesa; 102 over Port de la Selva (GI) Josep M. Bas; 3,700 arrive at Alboré (HU) Francisco Quesada Lithuanian Crane-2 departs at 11:01 and continues NE,crossing Besançon at 12:14,and at 14:36 crosses the German border near Freiburg then at 17:20,near Stuttgart, changes course to ESE. At 20:32 it enters Austria and heads in a SE direction flying north of the Alps at night; at 23:45 it crosses the border with Hungary and at 04:32 it stops beside the Danube, south of Budapest, travelling 1,150 kmin this day. 03/03/17: 12,458 cranes are counted at Gallocanta lagoon, about 10,000 leaving on migration S.A.R.G.A., Antonio Torrijo, Francisco Javier Sampietro; 7,514 cross Navarra (1,108 over Pamplona), Jesús Mari Lekuona et al; 3,700 leave Alboré reservoir (HU) on migration and 1,700 others arrive, Francisco Quesada, Pablo Vallés; 250 over Don Benito (BA) Raúl Granados; 15 at the Lucio del Lobo, 17 at Caracoles, 24 at Aznalcázar (SE) Javier Rángel; 29 in Trebujena marsh (CA) Since the beginning of the migration 125,009 cranes have crossed over Navarra, Jesus Mari Lekuona et al. Lithuanian Crane-2 leaves the Danube at 08:24, at 12:04 the flock changes course to NE over Szolnok, crossing Hortobágy N.P.at 12:38, and stopping at 14:37 south of Hajdúnánás, where they will remain until March 14.



Migration route of Lithuanian cranes from 28/02/17 to 03/03/17

GPS device on Lithuanian Crane-2



04/03/17: 600, 162, 18, 356 and 12 arrive in the morning at Sotonera reservoir(HU) Francisco Quesada; some 2000 remain at Gallocanta (Z), Antonio Torrijo; 70 cross Navarra, Jesús Mari Lekuona; 80 and 250 set out from Ejea de los Caballeros (Z), Esther Yera; 185 at Pals (GI) Joachim Camps; 205 at El Vivet, Taradell (B) Ramón Prat; 80 over Sant Pere de Torellò (B) Aunan Tolrà; 100 over Caldes de Montbuí (B) Alex Sastre, Miquel del Toro, Auna Papió, Daniel Jiménez, 231 over Avinyonet de Puigventós (GI) Marc Puig; 120 over Closes d’en Barraquer, Castelló d’Empuries (GI) Joan Ventura; 150 over Santpedor (B) Jordi Falip; 13 sleep at Guarrero lagoon (SO) Jesús Ruíz; 1 Salobrar de Campos, Mallorca (IB) Mabel Gutiérrez. 05/03/17: 10 at Granja de Torrehermosa (BA) Miguel Corvillo; no cranes in La Serena (BA), Manuel Maximiano; 480 crossing Navarra, Jesús Mari Lekuona; 2,000 depart from Gallocanta, leaving only 350, Antonio Torrijo; 80 by Llançà (GI) Ponç Feliu; 12 in the marshes of Hinojos (H) Roosmarijn Steeman; 25 Vila-Seca, Salou (T) Jordi Ruiz; 80 over Cardedeu (B) Javier Mendoza; 5 in the Guadiamar reserve and 16 in Doñana marsh (SE) Pablo Galiano. 25,353 cranes crossed over Navarra this week, Jesús Mari Lekuona et al.

Migration map for the week of 27 February to 5 March, 2017.

During the week of March 6 to 12, most of the remaining Iberian cranes left and other birds cross from North Africa, some of these groups returning along the Levantine coast, as seen on the map. 06/03/17: 300 migrating over Montijo (BA) José Luis Bautista; 150 flying over Tres Arroyos, Badajoz, Antonio Mª Sánchez; 100 migrating over Torrefresneda (BA) Antonio Mª Sánchez;



190 birds slept at Manjavacas lagoon (CU) Vanessa Brito; 20 over El Cala river, El Real de la Jara (H) Eduardo José Rodríguez 135,655 cross Belgium, undoubtedly they are a good part of those that crossed the Pyrenees on 27 and 28 February. 07/03/17: Active migration over Buñales, the cranes of Alboré (HU) leave on migration, Francisco Quesada; 65 crossing over Navarra, Jesús Mari Lekuona; 47 migrating over Sierra de Orellana (BA) Manuel Gómez Calzado; 215 at La Janda (C), where 17 arrived in the morning from North Africa, Arkadiusz Broniarek; No cranes at Los Canchales reservoir (BA) nor between Torrefresneda (BA) and Miajadas (CC), Francisco Lopo; groups of 14, 34, 21 and 31 still in the dehesas of Granja de Torrehermosa (BA), Miguel Corvillo; 60 migrating over Burgo de Ebro (Z) Rubén Mansergas Sánchez, Marco A. Escudero Diego; 1,200sleep at Gallocanta (Z) Antonio Torrijo; 40 migrating over Retuerta del Bullaque (CR) Gerardo García; 30 over Olost (B) Laia Jiménez; 6 over El Pardo (M) Jesús Ruíz. 08/03/17: 4 still at Mesona, Palomas (BA) Fergus Crystal; 110 migrating over Puebla del Prior (BA) José Ángel Sánchez González; 5 at Santa Amalia (BA) Francisco Lopo; 380 cross from Africa to Cádiz, Arkadiusz Broniarek; 440 migrating over San Mateo del Gállego (HU) José Luis Rivas; 6 at Yelbes (BA) Fernando Yuste; 1,250 sleep at Gallocanta (Z) Antonio Torrijo; 420 migrating over Pinseque (Z) Ailén Fdez. Ardáiz; 50 migrating over Granja de Torrehermosa (BA) Miguel Corvillo; 19 over Sevilla, José Luis Anguita; 70 by Torelló (B) Roger Arquimbeu; 80 over Serinyà (GI) Sergi Castelló; 40 migrating over Alcollarín (CC) B.J.H.M. Possen; 70 over Bujaraloz (HU) Francisco Quesada. 09/03/17: 36 over Bujaraloz (HU) Francisco Quesada; 180 over Huesca, Pablo Vallés; 27 a tEl Hondo reservoir (A) Sergio Arroyo; 31 at Sant Vicent del Raspeig (A) José D. López Manchón; 4 over Aguilar del Río Alhama (LO) Lidia Roncero; 31 at the Pego-Oliva pond (A) Pau Lucio; 25 over Dueñas (P) Fermín; a group over Castelló de Farfanya (LL); 72 migrating over Santa Amalia (BA) Miguel Corvillo; 3 in Hinojos marsh (SE) Marthijs van Overveld; 800 over Salazar valley (NA) Jesús Mari Lekuona; 14 over Barcelona, David Fumosas; 42 migrating over Santa Amalia (BA); 42 in Castellò d’Empuries (GI) Muriel Friland; 28 over Tancat d’Illa (V) J. Ruíz. The leucístic crane that was at Gallocanta on 27 February is at Lac du Der (France). Lithuanian Crane-2 sets off north and crosses the Tisza River at 17:15, flying at night to the south of the Kalos River, where it will remain until March 14th. Since the beginning of the migration, 142,377 cranes have crossed Navarra, Jesús Mari Lekuona et al. 10/03/17:10 migrating over Sierra of San Serván (BA) Antonia Cangas; 250 over El Salto de Roldán (HU) Luis G.; 3,000 sleep at Alboré (HU) Francisco Quesada; 65 by Tremp (LL) Agents Rurals Pallars Jussà; 48 over Solsona (B) David Guixé; 30 over Elx (A) Mike Wazowski; 76 in La Janda (C) Arkadiusz Broniarek; 24 in Torreblanca (CS) Isabel Martín Rubusch; 12 in Callosa y Catral (A) Julio César García; 300+ migrating over Toledo, Ángel Velasco. 11/03/17: 12 in Villacañas (TO) Ángel Velasco;1890 cranes leave in ten minutes from Alboré (HU) Francisco Quesada, another 300 circling: 2 over Fiscal (HU) Francisco Javier Sampietro; 110 migrating over Villacañas (TO) Ángel Velasco; 35 cross the Straits of Gibraltar from África, Arkadiusz Broniarek; 60 over Sevilla, Rafael Vicente; 120 over Olivares (SE) Rafael Vicente; 502 sleep at Sotonera reservoir (HU) Francisco Quesada; 120 over Rabós (GI) Ponç Feliu; 70 over Roses (GI) Ponç Feliu; 6 over Santa Marta de Magasca (CC) B.J.H.M. Possen; 70 over Córdoba, Miguel Ángel Mesa; 6 at Yelbes (BA) Fernando Yuste; 120 over Barcelona, Anna Gallés.



12/03/17: 1,367 at Gallocanta (Z) depart on migration at 09:12,Antonio Torrijo; 22 migrating over El Salto de Roldán (HU) Francisco Quesada;At 08:45 380 cranes mígrate from Montmesa (HU) and 95 stayat the reservoir, Esther Yera; 80 migrating over Cañizar lagoon (TE) Felipe Rosado; 2 over Santpedor (B) Marc Illa Llobet 400 over Vic (B) Jordi Erras Pagès; 9 over Folgueroles (B) Jordi Faus; 50 over Sant Joan de les Abadesses (GI) Óscar Pérez Petrus; 50 migrating over La Horma, Pedro Muñoz (CR) Jesús Porrero; only 40 cranes at Gallocanta lagoon (Z) and another 250 arrive; 15 migrating over Villafranca de Córdoba (CO) Miguel Ángel Mesa; 250 at Castellò d’Empuries (GI) Albert Burgas; 100 over Calders (B) Pablo Agustín García; 321 over Montsant N.P., Cornudella de Montsant (T) Juan Miguel Díaz; 131 over Torelló (B) G.N.O. Joan Culí; 1 over Granera (B) Israel Estupà; During the week 5,425 cranes have crossed Navarra, Jesus Mari Lekuona. 2,000 migrating through Calabria (S of Italy) Pierpaolo

Migration map for the week of 06/03 to 12/03

The last groups cross the Pyrenees, the wintering centres are empty except for small groups that remain for different reasons. 13/03/17: 130 at Castellò d’Empuries (GI) Ramón Aguilar; 9 at Sils (GI) Enric García 14/03/17: The Lithuanian cranes leave at 6:00, crossing the border of Slovakia at 07:00 and the Polish border at 12:30, at 14:52 they are west of Radymno and at 18:10 are north of Cieszanów.



The flock including Lithuanian Crane-2, photographed in Przemysl, Poland (14/03/17)

15/03/17: 1 at Canchaleja reservoir (CC) Antonio Calvo; 5 at Arguedas (NA) Jesús Mari Lekuona; 25 over Castellnou de Bages (B) Bernat Ferrer; 140 migrating over Ontinar del Salz (Z) Eduardo Gil Iralde Lithuanian Crane-2´s flock leaves at 07:00, crossing the border with Belarus at 14:29; at 17:32 they re-enter Poland to the west of Brest (Belarus) to rest at 17:53 near Klesczele. 16/03/17: at 10:00 600 arrive at Sotonera reservoir (HU) Esther Yera, half of them will leave on migration, 15 at Montmesa (HU) Esther Yera; 14 by Santa Pau (GI) Albert Alonso; 20 migrating N of Salamanca, Rafael Vicente; 3 at Arrocampo reservoir, Saucedilla (CC) Ricardo Montero. Lithuanian Crane-2´s flock departs at 04:25 from Klesczele heading ENE crossing the border with Belarus again south of Minkowce (Poland) at 06:57; at 07:48 they are to the NW of Grodno and cross the border with Lithuania at 09:15, at 10:11 they cross the Niemen river, and at 11:54 they are NW of Mackantiskès, in their breeding area. 17/03/17: A couple still at La Mueda pond, Aíbar (NA) Jesús Mari Lekuona; 1 at Estany Massot, Palau-Savardera (GI) Arnau Tora. 18/03/17: 34 migrating over Tortuera (GU) towards Gallocanta,Antonio Torrijo; 2 at Yelbes (BA) Fernando Yuste; 24 migrating over Sanlucar la Mayor (SE) Alberto Pastoriza; 3 at La Bazagona, Toril del Cardo (CC) Javier Gayo; 5 cross the Straits of Gibraltar (C) Lynden Schofield. 19/03/17: 1 at Canchaleja reservoir, Escurial (CC) Martin Kelsey; 11 migrating over Berdún (HU) José Luis Rivas; 150 migrating over Capilla (BA) Encarnación Báez; 9 at the José A. Valverde visitor centreand 108 at Caracoles (Doñana) Francisco Javier Salced; 3 at LaBazagona (CC) José Mª Jiménez; 98 have crossed Navarra this week, Jesús Mari Lekuona; 7 in Atapuerca (BU) Javier Otal.



Weekly map from March 13 to 19, 2017, with migration almost complete. 20/03/17: two families of 4 and 3 birds. in Yelbes (BA) Encarnación Díaz; 6 juveniles near Navalvillar de Pela (BA) Manuel Gómez Calzado; 7 at S. Salvador reservoir, Binaced (HU) Francisco Quesada; 11 migrating over Barcelona, Sonia Cháves; 17 migrating over Torrelaguna (M) John Mudemman; 2 over Solsona (B) Fermí Sort. 21/03/17: some groups over Huesca, Francisco Quesada; 13 over Vallcalent (LL) César Piñol; 54 at Gallocanta (Z) Antonio Torrijo; 3 at La Bazagona (CC) José Mª Jiménez; 7 over Grau de Castelló (CS) Sara Rodríguez. 22/03/17: 3 cross from Africa overAlgeciras Bay(C) Arkadiusz Broniarek. 23/03/17: 100 over Mollet del Vallés (B) Josep Bel; 1 second year bird in the Doñana marsh(SE) Alberto Pastoriza; 1 at Lladore (LL) Parc Natural del Pirineu; 8 over central Navarra, Jesús Mª Lekuona. 25/03/17: 30 migrating over L’Ampolla (T) Wijts Harold, afterwards they are seen over Vilafranca del Penedés (B) Josep Mª Ferrer; 40 cross from Morocco to Tarifa (C) Arkadiusz Broniarek. 27/03/17: 1 adult and 1 young at Yelbes (BA) Fernando Yuste; 4 over Viladecans (B) Jordi Palau. 28/03/17: 2 at Yelbes (BA) Fernando Yuste; 180 at Alboré reservoir (HU) Pablo Valles; 3 at Arrocampo reservoir, Saucedilla (CC) Ricardo Montero. 31/03/17: 20 at Sotonera reservoir (HU) Francisco Quesada 01/04/17: 5 at Gallocanta (Z), 10 atSotonera reservoir (HU) Silvia Duque. 370 migrated through Navarra during the week of 26/03 to 02/04, Jesús Mari Lekuona 04/04/17: 1 juvenile at Mengabril (BA) Encarna Báez; 2 at Yelbes (BA) Fernando Yuste; 4 migrating over Navarra, Jesús Mari Lekuona.



06/04/17: 2 at Castellò d’Empuries (GI) Juan Morales; 45 migrating over Amposta (T) Nick Ransdale. 07/04/17: 2 at Vilaüt, Castellò d’Empuries (GI) Toni Sánchez. 08/04/17: 19 at Sotonera reservoir (HU) Silvia Duque, Francisco Quesada. 09/04/17: 40 and 20 migrating over Villafranca de Córdoba, Miguel Ángel Mesa; 1 at Monteagudo de las Vicarías reservoir (SO) Juan L. Hernández.

Resulting from the censuses made during the pre-breeding migration at Gallocanta, as well as those done in Navarra and data compiled from Catalunya and the Basque Country, we conclude that the number of cranes that crossed the Pyrenees was 287,361 birds, of which 147,357did so through Navarra, 133,728 through Aragón, 5,944 through Catalunya and 342 through the Basque Country. The 15,000 birds in excess of the January census can be explained by two

factors: 1. birds continued to arrive from Europe after the January census; 2. birds arriving in the Peninsula from North Africa, wintering in Morocco

(711), Algeria and Tunisia (although we cannot rule out birds coming from Libya, where the wintering population is unknown).



PROBLEMS & CONSERVATION The situation for cranes, despite increasing numbers, is not improving and even to the contrary, since they are facing a significant loss of hábitat, which may have serious negative repercussions in the near future. As always, disturbances are caused by vehicles (all-terrain, hunters´ cars, cyclists, quads, etc), walkers, hunters, paragliders, burning stubble indiscriminately, etc., and there are still deaths caused by electricity cables, wires fences and potentially by wind farms and poisoning.

-HUNTING Hunting with guns or greyhounds is a continual source of disturbance on hunting days, essentially weekends. Disturbances increase during the first and last weeks of December, when there are so many public holidays; weeks when cranes have no rest on account of the great number of hunters and vehicles invading their feeding areas. Also, it is not unusual to see many hunters carrying out their activity at dusk and on foggy days, in spite of this being prohibited under the current laws.

A hunter in a crane feeding area near Vivares (BA), in dense fogin January. A group was hunting with hounds near him.

.-LEISURE ACTIVITIES Different leisure activities, especially on weekends with fine weather, are usually an added source of disturbance to those from hunting. From walkers (becoming more frequent), mountain bikers using all types of tracks, the presence of quads at full speed and making



much noise, which causes every group they pass to take flight, to paragliders whose noise can also cause many groups to take flight. We believe that, at least in resting and loafing areas and important feeding areas, there should be some form of control, especially of quads, which cause the most disturbance, restricting access to these vehicles being used for leisure.

-AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES We have already shown in the past that early rotovation in some rice plots or work in stubble fields can remove cranes´ food, so we recommend these actions are done as late as possible. The most damaging of all is undoubtedly the illegal burning of stubble. During days with good weather there is widespread burning of all types of stubble, driving birds from these areas and, in many cases, removing an abundant supply of grain residue that cranes and other birds could have used. The law prohibits stubble burning, except for plant health purposes, for which authorisation is required from relevant government offices.

Indiscriminate stubble burning near Vivares, Badajoz, in November

Intensive and extensive crops need a massive amount of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides, as well as using “armoured” seeds, which have fungicides in their coating. All of these toxins, as well as their uncontrolled use, can seriously affect the health or life of cranes as well as ours, since they seriously contaminate aquifers, streams, lagoons and pools, and all these products are incorporated into the food chain through plants and animals.



Spraying ditches and banks with highly toxic pesticides by operators or owners, without the minimum protection measures, such as gloves, masks or glasses. Villar de Rena, Badajoz.

-LOSS OF TREE COVER The so-called “drying” of oak species continues to affect extensive areas of dehesa, especially in Extremadura, so far without being able to slow its progress. Also, neither the government nor owners, in general, are doing anything to help trees with new planting to guarantee the continuity of dehesas, which are so important to cranes.

Dead holm oak, caused by “drying” in Gorbea dehesa, Navalvillar de Pela, Badajoz



-CHANGES IN CROPS In recent years we have been witnessing a very significant and aggressive agricultural change that involves replacing crops such as rice or maiz, even traditional pasture and dehesas. This is being done thanks to community funding under the CAP umbrella, and on more than one occasion has affected important areas for steppe birds including SPAs (Special Protection Areas) and LICs (sites designated for important wildlife), frequently with authorisation from regional governments, which may subsidise these actions with up to 80% funding. It seems implausible, but all European citizens are financing this type of work through our taxes. The change consists of clearing the previous crop, and replacing it with trees such as almonds, olives, walnuts, pistachios etc, under intensive production, where plants are watered at the expense of the local aquifer. The trees are very close together, and may begin to produce fruit from the first year, and have a short lifespan. This method of production needs large quantities of fertilizer, water and minimum labour, as everything is mechanised. The most serious of allis how this is done in dehesa, such as around Zarzalejo (Logrosán), which is an SPA and where up to 2000 cranes fed during the previous season, and now they cannot; the same as in the Cuncos SPA at Villanueva del Fresno. We can see this phenomenon at the present time in Spain in any natural or agricultural area with crane populations, from Valladolid to Málaga. Even some agricultural organisations are critical of these changes and are advocating an agricultural system that is more sustainable and less aggressive.

Walnut plantation in the Cuncos SPA, Villanueva del Fresno, Badajoz



Almond plantation in dehesa at Zarzalejo, Logrosán, Cáceres

Almond plantation in dehesa at Zarzalejo, Logrosán, Cáceres



Intensive olives in a crane feeding area, Fuente de Piedra, Málaga

-INFRASTRUCTURE The principal and most important causesof death for cranes in Europe are collisions with electricity lines and wind turbine blades, as well as accidents with wire fences. Unfortunately, these infrastructures are becoming more common and we continually find new electricity lines and wind turbines on hilltops and windy areas. Crossing these sites can be a real blood-bath for birds if the wind pushes them into the blades. Wind farms are common in Aragón in areas such as Almunia de doña Godina in Zaragoza, which is an important migration corridor in spring. They are also found on hilltops such as La Sotonera in Huesca, where a lot of damage can be done if the wind pushes them against the blades. In Navarra, also a very important passage route during both migrations, there are several wind farms along the route that can affect the cranes, although we record our thanks to our colleague Jesús Mari Lekuona, who keeps track of these migrants and can request the wind turbines to be stopped while cranes are passing through their zone. As for electricity lines, wind or days with fog or smoke from burning can make it difficult to see the cables and cause frequent crane deaths, and at the present time is the number one cause of death. In this case the only viable solution is to bury the wires, given that cranes feed in stubble fields crossed by wires of all types, where any fright can be fatal.



Cranes flying over a wind farm in Navarra during autumn migration

Cranes heading for feeding areas at dawn, Almorchón, Badajoz, January 2017



Cranes leaving their dormitory, Torrefresneda, Badajoz, February 2017.

Documents

José Antonio Román Álvarez (coordinator) · ~Selgua: Carlos Perallón Romero, Eloy Alfaro Cordera ~Ventorrillo: Alberto Bueno Mir. ~Clamor Vieja: José Damián Moreno Rodríguez,