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| Photo Taken by Beth Whelan |
When you hear the distinct cry of migrating birds, you may want to take a second look at that flock of birds soaring above you, because it just may be Sandhill Cranes rather than Canada geese.
Sandhill Cranes are a largetall grey bird reaching heights up to 4 feet, weighing up to 12 lbs, and a wingspan of 6-7 ft. They have two distinct features about them; one is their appearance of a crimson, red-crown forehead, white cheeks, and fluffy rear end; the other is when in flight, the long dark legs trail behind and the long neck is kept straight out, rather than tucked in towards the body.
One of the reasons people are so drawn to these birds is their playful dancing. Mated pairs engage in a fascinating display of dance and sound. They will stand close together with their beaks skyward and call together in a synchronized, complex duet, that is initiated by the female. The vocalization resembles a loud, deep rolling trumpet and rattling “kar-r-r-o-o-o” that resembles a French rolled “r”. The female will make two higher-pitched calls to every male call. They will also dance together by jumping, bowing, running, tossing sticks or grass, and flapping their wings. This is commonly seen during courtship behavior to strengthen the bond, but can be seen at any age or season. Sandhill cranes are very social birds and these behaviors leave spectators spellbound.
Each year thousands of Sandhill Cranes make Barren River Lake a stop as they congregate in huge numbers to migrate back home. Why Barren River? During winter exposed mud flats on Barren River provide the perfect spot to rest and socialize with each other before settling in at night. At sunrise, they take flight from roost to the nearby farmlands and wet meadows which offer an abundance of food such as plant tubers, grains, small vertebrates (i.e. mice and snakes), and invertebrates such as insects and worms for these omnivorous birds.
