Sandhill Cranes are those huge stork-like birds that resemble Great Blue Herons and have a noisy "clack-clack" call that can be heard from afar. The adult Sandhill has a six to seven foot wingspan and although they are very tall they weigh less than 12 lbs. A bright red patch on the crest of their heads makes them stand out.
While searching for Sandhills in flight, I came across a small clearing on Wasaukee Road just north of Donges Bay Road and spotted two Sandhill Cranes and their chick. For the next week or so I kept going back for photos.
The chick was probably born in May and by late July or so it will be able to fly. It learns quickly how to dig for grubs and worms by watching the adults and also by getting food directly from them.
Before long, the chick begins to show evidence of changing from "fluff" to actual wings. It also begins to stretch and exercise.
When the Sandhill displays its wings it's reminiscent of the wings of angels.
The Sandhill in flight resembles the Great Blue Heron and is an awesome sight.
At one point, the Sandhill family crossed the road into a more vegetated area and I thought I had seen the last of them, but the next day they were back at their clearing.
