A pair of Sandhill Cranes at Roshara. Photo by Steve Apps.
The Sandhill Cranes are back. We’ve had a pair of them nesting at our pond
for many years—they uncannily return to nearly the same spot each year. They spend their winters in Florida and
generally return in March, sometimes even before the snow has completely melted. I remember one year, when there was still
snow on the ground, watching a Sandhill Crane standing in the snow, and lifting
one leg and then the other. Even
Sandhills experience cold feet.
These are magnificent birds, living sometimes as many
or 25 to 30 years, with the same mate. Their
feathers are various shades of gray to brown.
Their foreheads and crown are covered with reddish skin. They stand four
to five feet and have a wingspread as much as six feet. The female generally lays two eggs, which
both the male and female tend during the 29–32-day incubation period.
I so enjoy their primitive call, as they often fly
over while we are working in our garden. Until I did a little research, I didn’t know
that the Sandhill Cranes we see today have relatives that trace back ten
million years.
At one time, the Sandhills Cranes were endangered, but
no more. Their population has been on
the increase—and they do cause some crop damage as they will eat everything including
prowling for a meal in corn and grain fields. They also eat small animals,
insects and even worms. Not fussy eaters,
these Sandhills.
THE OLD TIMER SAYS: When
the Sandhill Cranes return, we know that spring cannot be far behind.
WHERE TO BUY MY BOOKS:
Patterson Memorial Library
500 Division Street
Wild Rose, WI 54984
barnard@wildroselibrary.
www.wildroselibrary.org
If you live in the western part of the state, stop at Ruth’s home town, Westby and visit Dregne’s. and look at their great selection of my books, including my new ones, or order a book by calling them at 1-877-634-4414. They will be happy to help you.
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