I'm New!
I traveled to visit my parents today, they have a lovely piece of property in the middle of nowhere, Florida. I was lamenting over the very overcast day, but decided to take the walk down to the lake with my camera anyway. And what should I find, to my surprise, a pair of Sandhill Cranes with a newly hatched little one! The chick was so very small, I’ve never seen a sandhill chick before and I was so surprised, seeing as they grow to be so large. I was thrilled!
Sandhill Cranes are thought to be the oldest surviving bird species in the world. The Florida Sandhill (Grus canadensis pratensis), which is one of the non-migratory species, is severely threatened due to unregulated hunting in the past, and currently due to development and loss of habitat. Sandhill Cranes are huge birds, they stand at least 4 feet tall and have a wingspan of up to 7 feet. Sandhill cranes feed on a large assortment of grasses, roots, berries, and tubers, as well as insects, crayfish, frogs, snakes, and small mammals. They often make their distinct loud rattling kar-r-r-r-o-o-o call while in flight. This species of crane mates for life.
I was so happy to see that these cranes have chosen a bit of space on my family’s property to call home.
More Sandhill Family:
More Photography:
I'm New! belongs to the following groups:
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Cory Frantz, 5 months ago
thats is to freaking cute! Wonderful capture Rebecca! U were at the right place at the right time!
Rebecca Cruz in reply to Cory Frantz’s comment, 5 months ago
Thanks Cory! One more upload to come…I think the cutest of them all :D Keep your eyes open for it!
TLeeHoney, 5 months ago
Wow Rebecca – this is so special – what a beautiful bird and what a shame they’re so endangered. Fascinating to know they are considered the oldest surviving bird species – are there any preservation groups that are concerned with them? Wonderful special moment you have captured…
Rebecca Cruz in reply to TLeeHoney’s comment, 5 months ago
Thanks so much TLee! As of yet I have not been able to find a group that specifically focuses on the preservation of the Florida Sandhill. There are two other subspecies in Mississippi and Cuba that are listed as critically endangered. Some info here “http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/birds/cranes/gruscana.htm”
Rebecca Cruz, 5 months ago
Oops, didn’t link that correctly….try this
http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/birds/cranes/gruscana.htm
Angi Baker, 5 months ago
AW! how adorable
TLeeHoney, 5 months ago
Thanks for the link Rebecca – seems as though there is some acknowledgement of their demise – this little family is lucky to be in a safe place like your family property :o)
howardtaylor, 5 months ago
VERY CUTE CAPTURE….IT IS NICE TO KNOW THAT THEY ARE SAFE!
Dayonda, 3 months ago
Totally beautiful shot of the water, as well as of this baby. It’s so homely it’s cute! Love the tufts of red fuzz on his head and body.