As winter gradually gives way to milder weather in Sweden, the appearance of the first crane at Hornborgasjön has been reported, signaling the arrival of spring. The bird was sighted at lunchtime on Friday by Sofie Stålhand, the site manager at Hornborgasjön, who initially heard its distinctive call from above. Stålhand expressed joy at the sighting, especially following a particularly cold start to the year, emphasizing a renewed sense of readiness for the spring season.

Typically, once the first crane is spotted, it takes about two weeks for the larger population to arrive. Each year, at the end of March and beginning of April, approximately 30,000 cranes migrate through Hornborgasjön, creating a spectacular natural event for observers and nature lovers alike. The timing of this year's sighting is notable as it is somewhat later than the previous year when the first crane was seen on February 21, highlighting fluctuations in seasonal patterns that can be influenced by changes in climate.

This annual migration serves not only as a reminder of the changing seasons but also as an important ecological event that attracts visitors to the area, contributing to both local tourism and conservation efforts. The cranes play a significant role in the ecosystem and their presence is celebrated by many in the region, further embedding them into the cultural fabric of Swedish spring traditions.