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:
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Cory Frantz
thats is to freaking cute! Wonderful capture Rebecca! U were at the right place at the right time!
Rebecca Cruz replied
Thanks Cory! One more upload to come…I think the cutest of them all :D Keep your eyes open for it!
TLeeHoney
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 replied
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
Oops, didn’t link that correctly….try this
http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/birds/cranes/gruscana.htm
Angi Baker
AW! how adorable
TLeeHoney
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
VERY CUTE CAPTURE….IT IS NICE TO KNOW THAT THEY ARE SAFE!
Dayonda
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.
Gordon Beck
Great photo and title!