Sandhill Cranes Nesting Nearby
Tuesday, May 05, 2009 Posted by Michael
I have a pair of Sandhill Cranes nesting in the marsh behind my house. I put out dried whole kernel corn every day to bring them into my backyard where I can see them. Originally both birds came in together, and one would eat while the other kept a lookout for danger. Now I only see one Sandhill Crane at a time, because the other adult is on the nest keeping the eggs warm and protecting their young.Sandhill Cranes are Michigan's largest bird, standing 4-5 feet tall with a wingspan of about 6 feet. They will forage for food in fields or shallow water, and will eat insects, worms, frogs, tadpoles, seeds & berries. Sandhill Cranes are famous for their dance, a series of jumping, bowing, & stick-tossing movements, and well known for their remarkably loud, trumpet-like call.
Sandhill Cranes have a 12-25 year lifespan, and they mate for life with pairs returning to the same nesting area every year. They normally lay two eggs; the chicks grow quickly and are ready to take their first flight 10 weeks after hatching.
Picture is from Wikimedia.
You can read more about Michigan Sandhill Cranes at this link:
http://www.bakersanctuary.org/crane.html
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