It's Cranemania around here!

[John Walters]

I understand they are legal to hunt in Canada and considered excellent eating. The meat is redish and they call it ribeye in the sky. I live in Florida they are protected here and we have lots of them walking around like they own the place. I enjoy watching them with the younger ones the bad part is they walk across busy streets with out fear thankfully the drivers slow down or stop for them. Most of the time they just walk but when they fly it is a thing of beauty.

[Wild Skies]

Our neighborhood pair of nesting Sandhill Cranes are back for their 8th consecutive year. There's still a bunch of snow on the ground and it got down to 4 above last night.

You've got to wonder what this Sandhill might be thinkin'?

[Gary Laudermilch]

I pretty much know what he/she is thinking, "What the ****". The very same thing many of us are thinking.

[Wild Skies]

This, the 8th consecutive year of successfully nesting, our neighborhood family of Sandhill Cranes has produced just one offspring this year. These photos, taken just moments ago, show the proud parents taking their little baby out for a stroll while others look on in amazement:

[Wild Skies]

The talk of the neighborhood is growing like a weed.

[OH Osthaus]

Greg- these updates are great - thank you

[John Walters]

They hunt them in Canada the meat is said to be red and very good. They call them rib eye in the sky. We have lots of them here in Florida they walk right into traffic not to smart but the people know them and are careful. Just could not see shooting them but pass shooting them flying high is at least sporting and fair to the Cranes.

[Wild Skies]

Originally Posted by John Walters

~ ~ snip ~ ~ Just could not see shooting them but pass shooting them flying high is at least sporting and fair to the Cranes.

I wonder what the Cranes would think about that?

[Wild Skies]

Mr. & Mrs. Sandhill, ever watchful of their pride and joy, who's now nearly all feathered out, stops for a cool drink on a sweltering hot 4th of July afternoon. Unbeknownst to them and what is sure to sound like bombs going off, takes place later on tonight.

[Wild Skies]

The cranes and turkeys are seeking some shade from the intense heat of the sun, while the turkeys await their turn for a cool drink of fresh cold water just added to the bird bath. The cranes are showing their dominance over the turkeys by temporarily monopolizing the bird bath.