Early holiday gifts are flying overhead as the Sandhill Cranes return to (and through) the Blue Ridge from points north! Watching hundreds of them effortlessly glide in circular flocks and seamlessly form into V-shaped formations (called “chevrons” or “echelons”) inspired the bird choice for this installment.
These long-legged avians stand almost four feet tall with a wingspan of 6.5 feet and sport a signature red color on the crown of their head. They mate for life, gather in large flocks, and go about their days with a grace and style belying their large size. The nobility and elegance of cranes captures the imagination of many cultures. In particular, their courtship dance of bowing and leaping with outstretched wings is venerated in ceremonies and art.
Listen to the skies for the long-distance, rolling, trumpeting call – once heard, never forgotten.
Bird Bits
Fun Facts: A sandhill crane fossil discovered in Florida at the Macasphalt Shell Pit dates to 2.5 million years ago. The longest recorded living crane was 36 years, seven months old.
Habitat: Open wetland habitats such as marshland, tundra and prairies are the preferred locations.
Conservation Note: Like many birds, the future of Sandhills is closely tied to habitat preservation or loss.
*Birding Tip: Scan the flocks for a chance to see an endangered white Whooping Crane, known to occasionally travel with Sandhills.
ABOUT THIS SERIES:
“Birds of the Blue Ridge” showcases frequently seen and rare birds across the southern Appalachian region. For over three decades, Angela Minor has traveled with binoculars and field guides across the continental U.S., Alaska, the Caribbean, and seven European countries. She is a travel and nature freelance writer for several regional and national print magazines, and also created and authored the state park birding series for Bird Watcher’s Digest.
Read More by Angela Minor: BlueRidgeCountry.com/AngelaMinor
