Celebrating a Breeding Pair of Sandhill Cranes – By Lisa Bacon
While driving to Niagara Falls on the chilly and drizzly morning of May 30th, 2020, I noticed an adult Sandhill Crane standing hundreds of meters from the busy road, infront of a well treed lot.
Knowing Sandhill Cranes are not as common throughout Niagara during the warmer months, I decided to pull over and observe this majestic bird in its natural habitat. Having my camera handy on the passenger seat, I snapped a photograph, immediately reviewing it. There, in the background was another adult Sandhill Crane laying down at the tree line! Appreciating this pair, I decided to wait a few moments to see if they would further emerge from the many trees, and perhaps walk towards the grass field.
Just then, the second adult stood up, and began to forage towards the field. I was wishing and hoping for a clear view. To my surprise, I noticed a small yellow puff ball moving beside one of the Sandhill Cranes! I thought, could it be? Not one, but TWO adorable colts became visible!
As I observed this beautiful moment with nature, I couldn’t wait to share this wonderful observation and photos with the Niagara Falls Nature Club, and fellow bird watchers. This news of Sandhill Cranes successfully breeding here in the Niagara Region is definitely worth celebrating!
It warms my heart knowing Sandhill Cranes will mate for life, sometimes as long as 2 decades together!
Wishing the Niagara Region Sandhill Crane family all the best in the future, and hope to goodness they stay safe.
