From March through May, Common Cranes (Grus grus) return to the far north of Europe. They return to their nesting areas in the tundra and wetlands of the taiga. Once they arrive at their destination, couples spread out in search of an isolated place to build their nest. Made up of a large platform of dry grass that protects it from water, the nest is built on the ground. The female usually lays two eggs, which she alone incubates for about 28 days. The male stays close to the nest to protect it.