First grues flying south west

[Spardo]

I have a mains electric and a long lead, no need to go further.
I heard the grues yesterday but didn't see them because I was in the pond which is in the trees.

[Veem]

This afternoon at a friend's house we all heard the calls of the grues, long before we spotted them (as is so often the case). After squinting directly overhead into a clear blue sky we spotted several sizeable groups all climbing higher and higher on the thermals. It made us wonder just how loud their calls are that, despite the fairly brisk wind, we were still able to hear them.

It seems the migration is well and truly underway.

[Spardo]

I always think it is such a waste of effort and energy to be calling when having to fly so far, but perhaps it is simply the sound of them breathing, I know I would be puffing and blowing with so much to do.

[Bayleaf]

I always think it is such a waste of effort and energy to be calling when having to fly so far, but perhaps it is simply the sound of them breathing, I know I would be puffing and blowing with so much to do.

When I watched a flock go over the house the other night, there were surprisingly few making the call. It was almost like one had said "quiet now, stealth mode, hunters spotted at 9 o'clock!" Although, they were far too high for our zealous hunters. Would they be fair game though, or are they protected?

[Veem]

Bayleaf wrote - Would they be fair game though, or are they protected?

An interesting question so I googled it and found this site which confirms that they have been protected in France since 1967, as well as a fascinating article about the species. I hope the link works ............

posting.php?mode=reply&f=24&t=391

[Bayleaf]

[mention]Veem[/mention]

The link just loops me back to posting a reply on here! Good to hear they're protected though.

[Veem]

@Veem

The link just loops me back to posting a reply on here! Good to hear they're protected though.

Sorry, I can't find that particular link again at the moment.

[Doug]

@Veem

The link just loops me back to posting a reply on here! Good to hear they're protected though.

Sorry, I can't find that particular link again at the moment.

Probably flew away with the grues.

[Doug]

We have just seen the largest flock ever of grues fly over, very high also.
Today also there has been large flocks of various finches through our trees, including a number of bramblings.
Sorry no photos as they are so timid.
Do hope its not a precurser of a cold winter.

[MAD87]

Just had a pause café in the véranda and heard (but didn't see) some calling nearby. 87520.