Preface -- How everything started -- Compact crane knowledge: myths and facts -- Problem solutions, ballet courtship and fox alarm: how do cranes communicate with each other? -- Arrival in the nature preserve after return from wintering grounds: alone or in groups? -- Breeding season: a tragic romance -- Ruff, a white-tailed eagle and other visitors to the nature preserve: crane guards' amazing experiences -- The school of life -- Tracking the cranes' language: they are calling and talk about their lives -- Worldwide endeavors: Asian and American cranes are calling me -- Research adventures: overhear red-crowned cranes at minus 25 °C while guarded by armed border soldiers -- The adventure continues: visiting the wild whooping cranes -- We are taking off: the hard way to the migration flight school -- What can we learn about intelligence, migratory behaviour, culture development, use of tools and self-awareness in cranes? -- Can cranes think strategically? Other amazing observations -- Cranes are subjects. A plea for more modesty and respect for nature -- Appendix.

Cranes are enigmatic birds. Only very little is known about the behaviour of these graceful dancers. The renowned naturalist and crane expert Bernhard Wessling takes us on exciting and adventurous expeditions into their hidden world and gets to the bottom of the myths surrounding these birds of happiness. With the help of a specially developed bioacoustic method, Dr. Wessling studied Eurasian, Red-Crowned, Sandhill and Whooping Cranes, all in the wild. He has researched their intelligence, social dynamics and communication and engaged in their protection. Impressively illustrated and lively narrated, this book presents his findings on their individually unique lives and relationships, their ability to adapt and solve problems, and their emotions. His observations allow us to delve deeply into the cranes' way of life and consciousness, often demonstrating the surprising similarities between humans and animals. An amazing work about the spirit of discovery, humility and respect for nature in the tradition of Alexander von Humboldt. Cranes are among the most captivating birds on this planet. Dr. Wessling knows these birds, has accumulated a lifetime of observations on them, and has thought deeply about their abilities. In this book, he seeks to overturn old ideas about how these birds live, communicate, and think. His revelations surprise and delight and shed new light on an ancient avian family. Jennifer Ackerman, author of the New York Times bestseller The Genius of Birds and The Bird Way The Call of the Cranes is a mesmerizing, vivid, lyrical and revelatory book. It truly is a spectacular book and a treasure! Sy Montgomery, naturalist and author of 31 books (incl. the New York Times bestseller The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness) In this book, Bernhard Wessling shares his fascinating stories about cranes through patient observations and thoughtful conclusions. George Archibald, Co-Founder of the International Crane Foundation, Senior Conservationist.