The Call of the Cranes (eBook)

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.

Dr. Wessling was born on December 15, 1951, studied chemistry and biology and received his doctorate degree in chemistry of natural products in 1977. After university, he worked as a researcher, chemist and entrepreneur developing and marketing new technologies, including more than 13 years in China. It is certainly unusual that he worked 'part-time' (at his own expense) for decades in crane conservation and as an international recognised creative crane researcher.