Sandhill Crane

Description:

Cranes are among the oldest living birds on the planet, with fossil records dating back 9 million years. The sandhill crane is long-legged, long-necked bird. Its forehead is a vivid red, and the plumage is colored slate or brown-gray. Adults have a white chin, cheek and upper throat and black primaries. The young have a feathered head and chocolate-brown plumage with some rusty color. These cranes can be up to about four feet in length, have a wingspan of up to 7 feet, and weigh up to 11 pounds. During migration, they fly in V-formations or make long lines.

Habitat:

farmland and marshland

Notes:

This was my first time seeing these incredible birds. A friend and I drove over 800 miles over two days to see and photograph these fantastic birds. The greater and lesser sandhill cranes rest and refuel in the San Luis Valley of Colorado on their migration back to their northern nesting grounds. We were lucky enough to witness their courting display as seen here. Apparently The weekend we were there at the Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge we were told there were 10,000 - 20,000 cranes. This was a weekend to remember!