Migrating cranes, multiple waves

During their autumn migration northern Europe's cranes gather in tens of thousands at Linum to feed and rest before continuing their journey southwards to Spain. During daylight hours the birds disperse to the surrounding farmlands, but just before dusk, with meticulous punctuality, they return in great numbers to a small area of fields and pools close to the village to roost. It is an amazing sight accompanied by wonderful, evocative sound. Wave after wave of birds in flocks 20 to 80 strong pass overhead in ever evolving V-formations trumpeting as they fly. Equally punctually, crowds of human birdwatchers congregate to see them. Most enjoy the spectacle in silence, but there are always a few murmuring on phones or chatting throughout. Tegel airport is near by and the Berlin/Hamburg motorway just a kilometer away. Heavy trucks drone along the skyline. Tall poplar trees line the paths and yellowing leaves rustle and hiss in the wind. Cows bellow across the landscape. The sounds at place constantly change in their proportions and mix, but they are easy to ignore when the cranes pass overhead filling the sky with their timeless cries.