The Common Crane (Grus grus) is a large wading bird of the Gruidae family. From mid-October to mid-March, it comes to rest during its migration, or to winter on the banks of the Lac du Der-Chantecoq. The Common Crane is an early bird, so early that it wakes up before dawn. The best vantage point to watch its daily flight is the dyke along the lake. The Lac du Der-Chantecoq is the main site for the species in Europe, a peaceful haven of almost 5,000 hectares. Every morning, the cranes leave their dormitory to feed in the surrounding fields.