27 October, 2012: The first group of Black-necked Cranes (Grus nigricollis) arrived today in Phobjikha. At around 12:30PM BST, a group of 3 cranes including one juvenile arrived in their winter habitat, Phobjikha.

Last year, in 2011-2012 winter, the first group of crane arrived on 7 November 2011. A total of 347 cranes spent their winter in Phobikha during 2011-2012 winter period.

The cranes usually spend over four months in major winter habitats in Bhutan and leave for their summer habitats in Tibet by mid-March.

The RSPN and Phobjikha Environment Management Committee (PEMC) will be observing the 14^th Annual Black-necked Crane Festival on November 11^th, 2012 to celebrate arrival of the cranes and at the same time to create mass awareness on importance of crane conservation.