Sculptor and professor Jussi Mäntynen depicted long-necked birds, particularly cranes and swans, during the later part of his career, when he was living in Sweden. The migratory birds reaching towards the sky can be interpreted as symbols of homesickness, post-war grief and the search for inner peace.

Mäntynen had previously worked as a conservator, which explains the scientifically accurate depiction of animal anatomy and behaviour in his sculptures. The artist rarely depicted entire animal families, but Cranes Nesting can also be viewed in the context of contemporary perceptions and ideals of family life.