DE
ENFirst breeding success for Belgium
Some weeks ago we reported on a huge success regarding cranes in Ireland (article from 18th May 2021). Now there are exciting news from Belgium: For the first time of the country’s history two small crane chicks hatched in the “Vallei van de Zwarte Beek” in Limburg (Flanders).
Twice a year large groups of cranes migrate across the eastern parts of Belgium. While they have been breeding in the Netherlands since 1999, in Belgium the first pair of cranes settled only three years ago. After last year’s breeding attempt failed, this year’s was finally and fortunately successful. The hatching of Gru and Dru (as the two little chicks were named by the Flemish Minister of Nature) is the reward for years of hard work. For 45 years the nature conservation organization „Natuurpunt“ has made a huge effort to rewet and restore the area. And it was definitely worth it! Hopefully the two little Belgian cranes will start their first explatory flights to the surroundings in the next days. It remains to be seen if more pairs of cranes will settle down in the area for breeding in the upcoming years.
You can find a video with great and touching images of the crane family on youtube.
