---
title: "Migrating birds and cranes"
url: "https://www.niedersachsen-tourism.com/experience-discover/nature-adventure/seasonal-natural-highlights/migrating-birds-and-cranes"
description: "In the Niedersachsen Wadden Sea National Park, you can experience the fascinating bird migration up close and learn more about the enormous importance of the Wadden Sea for bird migration. And there are other regions in Niedersachsen where you can observe migratory birds."
language: "en"
breadcrumb: "Root > Home > Experience & Discover > Nature adventure > Seasonal natural highlights > Migrating birds and cranes in autumn"
---

Migrating birds and cranes

The long-distance flyers are back!

 

**Each autumn, the skies above Niedersachsen are transformed into a mesmerising natural spectacle: thousands of migratory birds stop here to rest on their journey between north and south.**

Noisy wild geese fly in a great V formation across the sky, their spirited honking echoing over the wetlands by day. In the Wadden Sea, songbirds from Iceland and Siberia feast on shellfish and lugworms before continuing their journey to the Mediterranean or even Africa. In the wetlands, elegant cranes pause to rest before heading south. Others – such as Siberian swans and geese – arrive from the far north to spend the winter here.

 

**A wildlife spectacle**
------------------------

**Who’s who?**

Pack your binoculars and immerse yourself in the experience! From September to October, the southward migration reaches its peak, while March to May sees the return journey. Every October, Niedersachsen’s North Sea coast hosts , a week-long celebration of migrating birds, featuring guided walks, festivals, boat tours, talks, children’s activities and more. From the Dollart Bay to the mouth of the River Elbe and across the East Frisian Islands, you can explore the coastal birdlife, which is at its most abundant and animated at this time of year.

- 

 

 

**A stopover like no other**

**The Wadden Sea**
------------------

Twice a year, the  becomes an international hub for migratory birds. Millions of birds touch down here to refuel for their journey down to the south or back up to the north. The vast tidal flats and salt marshes offer an abundant buffet – a true feast after thousands of kilometres in flight. The resident gulls and oystercatchers are joined by international visitors such as red knots, bar-tailed godwits, brent geese and sanderlings.

The  (Migratory Bird Days) website features up-to-date sightings and bird migration forecasts.

 

Zugvogeltage: Wer zu spät kommt … Zugvögel und Klimawandel

Bootstour zur Beobachtung von Zugvögeln und Wildgänsen 

Vogelzug an der Elbe in Radegast (Bleckede)

 

**Early risers reap the rewards**

**Cranes in the morning light**
-------------------------------

If you want to catch sight of the majestic cranes en route to warmer climes in France or Spain, you’ll need an early start. These ‘birds of happiness’ are most active around sunrise and sunset. In cold winters, they use Niedersachsen’s wetlands as a stopover – places like the , the  near Rotenburg (Wümme), and the  near .

 

**Cranes follow the weather**

**To fly or not to fly?**
-------------------------

In mild winters, many of these fair-weather fliers may choose to stay put, returning to their northern breeding grounds in the spring. Be sure to take a good pair of binoculars so you can keep your distance and avoid disturbing them – they need to conserve their energy. Designated viewing spots are clearly marked and often sheltered from the elements. Their formation flights are a spectacular sight from anywhere, and their distinctive calls echo far across the landscape.

 

Ausblick vom Beobachtungsturm des Tister Bauernmoores

Vogelschwarm am Dümmer-See

Blick auf den Aussichtsturm Neu Helgoland