The first year that I saw them soaring up above with their long necks and elegant wings I fell instantly in love.
       Their call is unlike any around, kind of like a long gargled foreign bellow.  If they fly close enough I can even see the faint red on their heads.  Typically they fly together in pairs.  I always refer to them as “My Pterodactyls” because that is what they resemble to me.
They are breathtakingly grand and deserve respect. 
WHAT AM I TALKING ABOUT?
SANDHILL CRANES



General Description
A tall, long-necked, long-legged bird with a clump of feathers that droops over the rump; flies with neck and legs fully extended; adults are gray overall (may have brownish-red staining resulting from preening with muddy bill), with a whitish chin, cheek, and upper throat, and dull red skin on the crown and lores (lacking in immatures); immatures have a pale to tawny, feathered head and neck, and a gray body with brownish-red mottling; average length around 104 cm, wingspan 185 cm.

Every spring we are graced with Sandhill Cranes of our own, so to speak.  They usually come in pairs and this year I have seen 4.
I have even been lucky enough to see their nest with eggs in it in the years past.  That was a treat.
I just love to watch them.  They are such majestic creatures almost like they are of another world.  To see them wild and free is such a reward!




This is a picture of the four living on our place!
I didn't even see the two geese in the picture until I uploaded and went to put it here! 
That’s a great bonus!
The following link is where the technical Sandhill Crane information came from and the top picture as well!  This website was a plethora of great information http://fieldguide.mt.gov/detail_ABNMK01010.aspx

Comments

  1. sacra vimMarch 28, 2013 at 8:04 PM

    Wow, gorgeous and so fun to learn about! We don't have cranes here..maybe in a different part of the state. Lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  2. The Crone ChroniclesMarch 28, 2013 at 8:43 PM

    Thanks Sacra Vim! I am glad that you enjoyed it!!
    Blessings,

    Sharmon

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNaMarch 29, 2013 at 4:56 PM

    They look really interesting! I have always been intriqued with your part of the country.....maybe I will make it out there someday...

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownApril 2, 2013 at 7:49 AM

    It amazes me that these birds just roam around in Central Florida. Just walking through yards and across the road. Would love to see them in flight.

    ReplyDelete

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