The first few times I saw Sandhill Cranes, they were wandering around in baseball fields and parking lots at regional parks, and I couldn’t help but think they looked like gangly, long-necked umpires with little red caps!
Only when I discovered them in preserves like this one, could I see their true beauty! 
Sandhill Cranes feed in agricultural fields, prairies, and shallow marshy areas. They are omnivores and their diet may include “berries, tubers, small vertebrates, and invertebrates. Nonmigratory populations eat adult and larval insects, snails, reptiles, amphibians, nestling birds, small mammals, seeds, and berries.” (All About Birds)
This bottom photo was taken two months after the ones at the top of this post. Sadly, though they had chicks several weeks ago, I was told by a regular visitor that neither of the young cranes survived.
My timing wasn’t right to capture photos of the Sandhill Crane‘s graceful and energetic courtship displays, but you can watch that here 😉 Sandhill Crane Dance!
Also watch this beautiful brief video from Cornell, and listen to this Bird Note episode to learn more.
Birder's Journey 
Great post, photos and narrative. This is a bird that I’ve read so much about, but never seen in the field. Thanks!
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We’re so lucky to have them here – year round, I think. This particular preserve is known for is breeding pair.
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Beautiful job posting about this most unusual bird. It’s hard to take your eyes off the Sandhills once you begin watching. Thank you.
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I agree- they are quite beautiful and surprise me with their elegance.
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Beautiful pics BJ! They do remind me a little of our Brolga, they do not look all that different in design or colour. Thanks for sharing BJ
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Interesting! I’ve never seen or heard of the Brolga. I’ll have to look it up!
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Great photos.
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Thank you. These birds are certainly handsome . . . and photogenic!
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So sad that none of the chicks survived. These cranes are such beautiful birds, like little umpires indeed!
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I was out of the country when fellow birders were posting pictures of the chicks last month. The woman who told me lives nearby and seemed to be a very regular observer of the Cranes’ behaviors and movements.
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Ooh, Sandhill Cranes! Among my favorite birds. You caught their lovely colors so nicely! 💕🐦🐦🐦
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Thank you so much, and thanks for your visit! Their colors were just lovely in this light, both in early March and on my visit this past week.
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Love these birds! We have a pair visit most every day.
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How lucky you are! Do you get new babies every year?
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Sometimes we get babies – you never know!
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Wow, they are gorgeous, Bj! Beautiful captures, love to see the details. 🙂
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Thanks so much Amy – they are really photogenic;)
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Thank your for the video links! Enjoyed so much. 🙂
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Glad you enjoyed them – so many interesting resources out there!
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I love your description of the Sandhill Crane at the baseball field, “gangly, long-neck umpires with little red caps,” I can see where you thought that.
It’s unfortunate the chicks didn’t make it. I’ve seen Sandhill Cranes in subdivisions, along high-traffic highways. I cringe and hope they make it.
Enjoyed the vedios, thanks BJ for sharing the link.Great photographs and blog, my friend.
Connie
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I’m so glad you enjoyed this, Connie! My first experiences with Sandhill Crane’s were also in less pristine places than this beautiful preserve.
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Stunning photos! They are very beautiful birds!
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They certainly are – such a gift to see them up close.
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