Sandhill Crane

Description:

Sandhill Cranes are very large, tall birds with a long neck, long legs, and very broad wings. The bulky body tapers into a slender neck; the short tail is covered by drooping feathers that form a “bustle.” The head is small and the bill is straight and longer than the head. These are slate gray birds, often with a rusty wash on the upperparts. Adults have a pale cheek and red skin on the crown. Their legs are black. Juveniles are gray and rusty brown, without the pale cheek or red crown.

Habitat:

Wet, marshy area along a bike trail

Notes:

This crane came out right in front of us and started walking down the trail. We are pretty sure it was trying to get us away from the nest. As we got far enough away, it flew right over us and went back in to its original spot.