Spotting the Sandhills

The rich color display of turning leaves isn’t the only spectacular sight you may have the opportunity to take in the fall. This is the season of the Sandhill crane, when members of this tall, long-necked bird species pass through on their annual southward migration path. Sandhill cranes are wading birds that dwell in freshwater wetlands and marshy tundras, eating plants and grains as well as small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Groups of Sandhill cranes have been known to stop-over and stage in north and central Georgia fields and marshes for up to several weeks as they make their way to wintering grounds in southeast Georgia and Florida. Most Sandhill cranes passing though our area come from eastern Canada or the northern U.S., although cranes dwell as far north as Siberia. There are also non-migratory flocks of Sandhill cranes living in southeast Georgia, Florida, and Cuba. Standing four feet tall with wingspans of seven to eight feet, Sandhill cranes are similar-looking but not related to Great Blue Herons; the crane can be distinguished by its crown of red feathers and distinctive, trumpeting call, and by the fact that cranes fly with outstretched necks, while herons fly with their necks folded back. Sandhill cranes are noted and observed by bird lovers for their elaborate and noisy courting dance of leaps and bows. Sandhill cranes mate for life, spending their life spans of up to 30 years with the same mate, and migrating in family groups.