Sandhill Cranes are very large non-migratory birds that “breed and forage in open prairies, grasslands, and wetlands” (All About Birds, Florida FWC). Monogamous breeders, they are known for their unique mating dances! (listen on Bird Note and watch this Bird Note video (especially after 45 sec. or so).
On a recent walk, I heard this small group’s distinctive “loud, rattling bugle calls” (All About Birds) from quite a distance away at Orlando Wetlands and soon caught sight of them strolling along together. After pausing to look down and take this shot below of their huge footprints in the sand, I suddenly felt something very close beside me . . .
I glanced to my right and realized they had turned around and these hefty, 4 foot-tall avian delights were now ambling along right next to me!
They sauntered right past me without a sound till they got further down the trail. As I watched them go, they began anew to honk their loud, raucous calls.
It’s always exciting to be so close to these wonderful creatures!
“Degradation or direct loss of habitat due to wetland drainage or conversion of prairie for development or agricultural use are the primary threats facing Florida sandhill cranes.” (Florida FWC). How wonderful that they are able to feel so comfortable in this 1650 acre constructed Orlando Wetlands.
Birder's Journey 
They’re a migratory species in Canada. During spring migration in Saskatchewan they can be so high in the sky you need binoculars to see them but you can hear them calling.
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Amazing, isn’t it, to see them as mere specks in the distance, yet be able to hear their distinctive calls!?
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Very nice series of images! Enjoyed seeing them! One of my favorite birds to photograph when I get to go to Florida.
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I love to photograph them, too. They have such charm!
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Such gorgeous birds! I love their calls.
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I do, too! There’s something especially incredible about hearing them from a distance and then seeing a flock of them fly over, honking!
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wow! you get the upclose wonder of these graceful creations!
On Sun, Nov 21, 2021 at 5:10 PM Birder’s Journey wrote:
> Birder’s Journey posted: ” Sandhill Cranes are very large non-migratory > birds that “breed and forage in open prairies, grasslands, and wetlands” > (All About Birds, Florida FWC). Monogamous breeders, they are known for > their unique mating dances! (listen on Bird Note and watch t” >
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Yes, absolutely, Yishai! It is quite amazing to stand next to them, or even better, to walk along beside them!
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How lovely BJ to have these avian wonders so up close and friendly 🙂
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So true, AB. We have seen them here before, and they always seem to be extremely comfortable with the humans walking around ☺️
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Whenever you hear that sound…heads spin around ‘where are they’. Great shots and story.
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Yes, exactly! Thanks, Ted!
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Wow, Carol, what a fantastic experience! And excellent images, I love that you thought to take one of their footprints—very cool!
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Haha! Yes, it was really striking to see these huge prints right there in front of me in the sand. But it certainly did surprise me that they came right up to me without my even realizing it while I was looking down 😅
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Looking to goose you!
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😁
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I love this beautiful dinosaurs.
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Lol, that is certainly what they look like. I do too, Lukasz!
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OTHER-WORLDLY
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Absolutely!! ☺️
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What a delight! I’ve had close encounters with these huge birds before, they once wandered near me sitting on an embankment. I was down so low to them, I was a little worried. But they just looked at me and walked on. And then got loud too! 😂
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Amazing…. I’d be nervous sitting down in their presence, too, Donna. They really are imposing figures!!
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Such elegant birds – someone should tell them that high society use their inside voices outside too…
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Lol, yes, their calls are not particularly ’dignified’, are they? 😉
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Incredible photography, wonderful images! Great video!
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Thanks so much, Eddie! Wishing you a wonderful week and a lovely Thanksgiving holiday. 🍂🍁
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Thank you very much!
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Love these guys and the sounds.
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Me too, thanks for stopping by Sherry. Hope your family trip has been warm and rewarding.
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I love these photos! How wonderful to be so close to these elegant birds.
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Thanks, Amy! Yes, it is always amazing to be walking along right next to these tall and graceful cranes!
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