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Sandhill Crane

Ron from Port Charlotte Writes:

This morning, my wife and I were surprised by the visit of two large birds in our Port Charlotte, FL backyard. In my 15 years down here, I've never seen any like them. The birds were about 4 to 4 1/2 feet tall with thin black "cranelike" legs. Their bodies were quite large and their necks were long with a "cranelike head and beak. Their coloring was black legs, gray body, and a brilliant red top on their heads. They certainly were not afraid of humans, as they walked right up to us. I got several great pictures but decided to beat a hasty retreat when they got about 5 feet away. Any ideas as to what they were?

Thank you.

OUR REPLY:

Dear Ron:

I believe what you have seen are Sandhill Cranes. See my photo, shown above, for your comparison. These birds are commonly found grazing in pastures, on golf course and along the side of the road. They are an ancient bird species that mates for life. They will usually produce one or two "colts" each year. Each night they fly over our place to get to their roosting site at the Blue Heron Wetlands near Titusville, Fl. Their call is similar to a noisy child's toy from the 40's and 50's. The toy had a clacker assembly that flapped against a post within the body of the toy. The noise as produced as the toy was spun on its handle.

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