Cranes on the move: improved Crane Radar brings scientists and birdwatchers together

The autumn migration of cranes is getting underway, offering plenty of opportunities to spot these impressive birds flying over the Netherlands in the coming weeks. With the improved Crane Radar developed by Wageningen University & Research (WUR), nature enthusiasts can track the birds' movements and even look an hour ahead. The radar was further developed this summer in collaboration with birdwatchers. Their experiences have not only inspired new features but also provided valuable insights for research into digital technologies in ecology.

Every autumn, thousands of cranes migrate south from northern Europe. One of their important stopover sites is the Diepholz region in northern Germany, where the birds feed and rest before continuing their journey. By 10 October 2026, more than 12,600 cranes had already been counted there. When the wind shifts to the northeast, large flocks may take off. There is a good chance of spotting cranes flying over Limburg and the eastern Netherlands, possibly from Sunday 18 October 2026 onwards.

The Crane Radar shows where cranes gather during their migration. In early October, more than 12,600 resting cranes were counted near Diepholz in northern Germany.

Predicting exactly when and where the birds will appear remains a challenge. The Crane Radar, developed by WUR researcher Koen de Koning, helps birdwatchers track their migration. It combines real-time observations with weather data and computer models to provide insights into the birds' expected flight routes.

Birdwatchers help shape the radar

Several improvements were made to the Crane Radar over the summer. During workshops, users shared their experiences and suggested ideas for further development. The colours have been adjusted to make the information easier to interpret, including for people with colour vision deficiencies. Users can now track flocks of cranes over time and look up to an hour ahead to see which routes they might take.

The improved Crane Radar allows users to track flocks of cranes and look up to an hour ahead, helping them anticipate the birds' flight routes and identify where they might have the best chance of spotting them.

A WhatsApp channel and an online community have also been introduced, allowing birdwatchers to share sightings and experiences.

Sharing turned out to be a particularly important aspect of crane migration during the workshops. Birdwatchers are not only interested in knowing where the birds are, but also in sharing their enthusiasm and experiences with others. The Crane Radar helps bring together people who share a passion for nature.

Valuable insights for science

For the researchers, the collaboration provided important insights into how people experience crane migration and the role digital tools can play. It is not just about predicting bird movements, but also about engaging people in observing nature.

“What we discovered during the workshops is just how important it is for birdwatchers to share their sightings and experiences,” says Koen de Koning. “That involvement is incredibly valuable to us as scientists, too. Birdwatchers provide important data on what is happening in nature. By turning that information into useful insights, such as real-time crane migration forecasts, we strengthen the connection between science and nature enthusiasts.”

This form of citizen science, in which members of the public actively contribute to scientific research, is becoming increasingly important. New technologies, such as observation apps, automated species identification and artificial intelligence, make it possible to collect, share and use growing amounts of data about the natural world more quickly. The Crane Radar demonstrates how sharing knowledge and providing useful information in return can help keep people engaged in research.

Crane Radar as a digital twin

The Crane Radar is also a practical example of a digital twin. This technology combines real-world data with computer models to create a digital representation of what is happening in nature and how a situation might develop.

Digital twins offer interesting opportunities for ecological research. By connecting different data sources, researchers can better monitor and potentially predict changes in nature. This could, for example, support wildlife monitoring and inform decisions about nature management.

The Crane Radar allows researchers to explore how a digital twin works in practice. What data are needed? How can different data sources be combined? And how do you develop a system that continuously processes real-time information and puts it to practical use?

That final step remains a considerable challenge. The experience gained from developing the Crane Radar also provides valuable insights for other applications of digital twins in ecology. De Koning has also explored these challenges in two scientific publications, published in Ecological Informatics (2024) and Ecological Modelling (2026).

Want to spot cranes yourself?

Large flocks of cranes may fly over the Netherlands again in the coming weeks. Favourable northeasterly winds increase the chances of the birds leaving their resting areas in Germany and continuing south.

Keep an eye on the Crane Radar over the coming weeks so you do not miss them flying overhead in formation, accompanied by their distinctive calls.

Would you like to help shape the future development of the Crane Radar? On Friday 27 November 2026, the research team will organise another workshop where users can share their experiences and ideas