Sand Hill Cranes

[Royal]

While out on the Scoot I saw this pair of Sand Hill Cranes out in a field. They were quite a ways off and it was windy as heck so I had to find a fence post to try to steady the camera. These are huge birds and have wing spans of 6-8 ft when fully grown and stand 3-5 ft tall.

Their mating dance is something to see. I hope to get some video of it this year. I saw them dancing last year in a field and was a treat for sure. These were just eating


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPcstEF5w-c

 

[Rob/Windsor Ont.]

n/t

 

[Royal]

it was windy. I took three clips but deleted the other two. I was closer but even though the camera has anti-shake built in it could not do miracles. I had to walk down a way, away from the birds, to brace it against a post. Their mating dance is much like yours I have been told

 

[Cupajo]

It has been fascinating to watch the ebb and flow of the Big Bird's population. It has been endangered many years and when I was growing up in Texas (not far from the Hill Country area of the state) the cranes were a frequent topic of conversation.

Thanks for the post Royal as it really stirred up the old memory banks.

Best to Ya Bud,

CJ

 

[Royal]

by commercial airlines many thousands of feet high. I remember hearing their call as they flew over and could barely see them. It seems there is a hunting season for them in Texas. Whoda thunk it? http://www.panhandlesbest.com/dinosaur.php

 

[Cupajo]

If there is open season on the birds I'm not aware of it.

Maybe Fred can shed some light on the situation.

I've been away so long I'm out of the loop about most things "Texas".

CJ

 

[George-CT]

might compare are the big Blue Herons. They are pretty tall. Got one the flys over the place here in the summer, long legged bird...
Nice clip them. Thanks Geo-CT