Cranes, long-necked and long-legged birds of the Gruiformes order who mate for life, have fascinated many cultures. In Japan, they are a symbol of longevity and a happy marriage; in China, "heavenly cranes" are messengers of wisdom. Carl-Albrecht von Treuenfels has spent decades observing and photographing cranes, and in this dazzling collection, he offers overwhelming evidence why we must strive to ensure their survival.
This beautiful volume includes maps depicting the birds' flight routes; guides to where cranes can be seen in their natural habitats; and detailed information on how they live, their elaborate and noisy courting "dances," how they nurture their young, and how they migrate each winter in V-shaped formations.
Translated from the German edition (2005).
Carl-Albrecht von Treuenfels has followed the crane for over four decades as an environmentalist, an ornithologist, a photographer and an author. Von Treuenfels is president of the German branch of the World Wildlife Fund and has worked for the leading international crane protection organisation. He has published many books on this subject.