In early March, the first cranes arrive at Lake Hornborgasjön. These are the birds that will stay here to breed and raise their young – around 30 pairs.

The crane pair seek out a safe site for their nest, ideally somewhere surrounded by water. The nest lies on the ground and is built from moss, sedge and twigs. 

In April, the female lays two eggs over a couple of days. The pair both help to incubate the eggs, which hatch about 30 days later.