Grus canadensis (pratensis?)
Sandhill Cranes are large birds having long necks & legs. They also have plumage over their rump. In general, their plumage is gray but their cheeks are white; the crown is bald & red. Their long bills& legs are dark. In flight, their neck is fully extended; differing from birds of the heron type. The final picture shows an American Alligator in the background. Assumed Grus canadensis pratensis by location.
Spotted pond-side on a local college campus. Meadows, grasslands, and wetlands.
The Sandhill Crane is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the USA. http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/Regula... http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Sandh...
Lat: 27.84, Long: -82.79
Spotted on Dec 5, 2011
Submitted on Dec 19, 2011
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