Sandhill Cranes
These cranes are noted for their elaborate courtship displays.
Two displays are used to form mating pairs while three other displays occur only between mates and serve to maintain the pair bond.
Preening keeps this all-important feathers in good working order for protection, flight, temperature control, etc.
The nictitating membrane makes the eyes appear to be closed or diseased or damaged.
This nictitating membrane is a third eyelid that is translucent or clear. It is used by the birds as an extra level of safety for the eye and allows them to still see while affording its eyes an additional amount of protection.
Some birds, reptiles and sharks have these membranes as well as a few mammals.
This crane was reacting to a Red-tailed Hawk that flew over
“When we hear his call we here no mere bird. We hear the trumpet in the orchestra of evolution ... their annual return is the ticking of geological clock.” Aldo Leopold
Beneath the sternum of the Sandhill Crane is an extra-long looped trachea that gives the bird the ability to emit a unique cry that is audible up to a mile away.
Thankfully we have a Florida subspecies that does not migrate so we get to enjoy them year-round.
Are the cranes at Sweetwater now? When is the best time of year to See them?
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