Or…
a one
and a two
and a three
All done.
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 12, 2022
Sandhill Crane Having a Flap
Tag Archives: Crane
Sandhill Crane Family On Walk
The Sandhill Crane family was on a walk when I passed by their marsh area.
The youngster, known as a colt because of their long legs, was curious about his surroundings but didn’t stray far from his parents. I didn’t see any sign that junior had started to fly, which happens around two months of age.
Sandhill Cranes are omnivores, poking around in the swamp and grasses for food.
The parents seemed to be more attentive than when I saw them two days before this.
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 12, 2022
Juvenile Sandhill Crane
A young Sandhill Crane was busy looking around in the grass as his parents were feeding in the marsh.
They weren’t far off, 20 or 30 feet (6 to 9 meters), and maybe paying more attention to him than it appeared.
As they went around the water’s edge he trailed along behind them, but I didn’t see him eat anything.
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 10, 2022
Sandhill Crane
Ted and I returned to Florida for five days at the end of February and went to most of the same places I photographed in late January. On my first trip I heard Sandhill Cranes calling at Vierra Wetlands but never saw them. I was delighted to see a pair on the second trip.
When we first saw the pair they were calling repeatedly and appeared to be looking for something. Unfortunately there was nothing nearby to include in the image to indicate their size. Sandhill Cranes are larger than Great Blue Herons, and can weight up to 10 pounds (4.75 KG). Great Blues top out at 5.5 pounds (2.5 KG).
We looped around the wildlife drive and about an hour later found them in about the same spot. They had stopped calling and their attention had turned to preening.
Click on any image for larger view.
Vierra Wetlands, Florida, 2/21/18.