Sandhill Cranes, California
Sandhill cranes are one of the all-time joys of my winter. A large bird that moves with strength and elegance, they forage and roost here every winter in large migrating flocks of “survival groups.”
After 22 consecutive winters of circling back roads and rice fields in the Sacramento Delta, I can tell you one thing: every winter is different. Sometimes it is super foggy and you can only hear the cranes. More recently with our milder winters and sunshine we can often spot large flocks of them dotting the landscape. The quantity of migrating cranes, their roosting grounds and daily activities, all vary depending on the weather, the fields, and the resources.
Grus canadensis have several subspecies which vary in size and color. We see the lesser and greater sandhill cranes which are about 4 feet tall, partaking in the grains of the flooded rice fields. With a wingspan of over 7 feet, they migrate down from Canada every year by the thousands. This year we counted over one thousand cranes in a weekend. Having spent the winter months here, soon they will head back to Canada to breed.
They gobble, sort of like a turkey only softer, and sometimes I’m so happy to see them that I gobble back.
Photo credit: Athena Alexander
Reblogged this on Coalition for American Wildbirds.
Thank you for the reblog Sharon! 😀
I would love to see these. Nice shot!
They really are very special to see, Andy. I have included a link here with more sandhill crane info, including a U.S. map to show you where you can find them. I hope you do see them! http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/sandhill_crane/lifehistory
Thanks😊I’ll check it out!
😀
Well I see there are some in MS I will be looking for. I love when this site says, “they retain a gangly grace.” I know some people like that.😄💙
They look perfectly in sync standing there Jet. As though they posed for you. I can only imagine capturing such a shot takes great patience and skill. You make it look so easy and relaxed.
We have my partner Athena to thank for the photo here, and you hit it right on the mark: it took great patience and skill, and we were in this one spot for a good long time. Fortunately there were hundreds of birds in the area and there was a lot to see. Thanks so much for your kind comment Sue. 😀
We get them here too, but not in those numbers. I want to see you gobbling at them.
I caw at ravens and bark at dogs too, always trying to communicate. I’m sure you know very well, as a writer, how that goes, CS. 😀
I love it. You need a YouTube channel. (My wife makes fun of me for whistling at ground squirrels.)
4 ft tall, that’s tall! You saw by thousands, how magnificent, Jet! 🙂
They are truly special birds. Thanks so much for stopping by Amy, I always appreciate it. 😀
So neat that you talk to them!
😀
I widely spread the wings of my imagination and off I go to those exciting places you usually bird …
Numerous species of birds and of rare beauty and grace.Nice to meet this wondrous couple of the Sandhill Cranes!Oh,lucky you,Jet!You counted over one thousand cranes in a weekend,my friend and heard them gobbling ? I think,as I’m reading your post,I’ll start gobbling back … lol
Thank you so much for your exciting posts,dear friend Jet 🙂 xxx
I was just reading some of your posts as you were reading my cranes post! How fun is that! I believe I heard your gobbling too! lol. Many, many thanks, dear Doda. 😀
My dear Jet, you’re so talented and versatile: You gobble to the Sanhill Cranes, caw to the Ravens, bark at the Dogs and snort at H.J.! Thank you Jet. Great post! 🙂
I laughed so hard at this HJ! Your summary is a bit too close to the truth!!! Thanks for that big laugh today my dear friend! 😀
I would definitely love to see that one day! Thanks for the great info!
I’m so happy to share info about the sandhill cranes, Jada, and so glad you enjoyed it. Many thanks for stopping by today! 😀
Jet, I look forward to your eloquent postings…photography and essays. They’re quality of life for me. And…cranes…waterfowl sightings here in Napa County are a treat.
What a lovely comment that is, Bonnie, thanks so much. I am so happy to know you are out there enjoying my posts. 😀 😀
always a great sighting
I never tire of them, and I’m sure you don’t either, Bill. Thanks so much for stopping by! 😀
We anticipate their comings and goings here every March and November. I’m amazed how far their vocalizations travel. Sometimes I can hear them inside the house, doors and windows closed! I go outside and look to the sky to see them, but they are so far up it’s nearly impossible to spot them!
I love your description of hearing them but not seeing them, Mrs. B. In dense fog it’s the same way. But hearing them with all the doors and windows closed, I have not experienced this. That’s a great image. Many thanks! 😀
Great information on sandhill cranes! Sounds in nature are just amazing!
They sure are. And there’s always a surprise…. Thank you Patrick! 🙂
🙂
Beautiful photo! I like this birds – very important in China mythology. Bye. K
They are a very special bird. Thanks so much, Kamila, for your comment and visit. 🙂
That’s a lovely shot, Jet. They really are beautiful. And who knew they gobbled! 😀
Thanks Teagan, I’m glad you liked it, thanks for stopping by. 😀
You grew up on the shores of, as well as had the Horicon Marsh as a playground, and blogged about it. But have you ever had the opportunity to visit the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, WI? A haven for Sandhill and several other types of cranes, it should be on every birders list of places to see, and make a donation to, if they are so inclined.
I am fortunate to have spent my youth close to the Marsh and still enjoy hearing the Sandhills gobbling as they come and go from the rookery, and Canadian Geese honking during their migration over the Marsh when I go back to visit family in the area.
Perhaps fate will allow us to meet there on one our trips back to visit the family and friends we have there!
I have considered the Crane Foundation in Baraboo — they talk about it quite a bit at the Horicon Marsh Visitor Ctr. It sounds wonderful. Maybe I’ll combine it with a trip to Lambeau Field in the future. Great to hear from you Tom! 😀
Just make sure the Packers are playing the Eagles or the Falcons when you make the Pilgrimage to Green Bay to the worship with the disciples of St. Vince in the Basillica that Curly Lambeau built!
Oh, this made me laugh…a lot! It is clear I am not a disciple, because my focus is more on avoiding the below zero temperatures. silly me. 😀 😀
They must be a real sight to see in a large flock 🙂
They are indeed a delight. They are very skittish, however, and if you don’t move and don’t expect a photo, just enjoy the sight, you’re usually much better off. But try telling a photographer that….lol. 😀 😀
Jet – https://toritto.wordpress.com/2014/11/01/the-return-of-the-cranes/
🙂 Regards
Thanks for sharing this link to your crane experience, Toritto. The thrill never ends with cranes. 🙂
We stopped at the Klamath Falls Wildlife Sanctuary on the way home and saw my first Sandhill Cranes… too many to count. What a marvelous experience.
Too many sandhill cranes to count…ahhhh, that must have been a delightful sight for you, Gunta. Thanks so much for your visit and comment. 😀