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Incoming — Sandhill Crane

There was a lot of commotion, with Sandhill Cranes flying in, some flying out, some jumping from here to there, and lots of calling and conversation. The cranes had spent the night in the water at the pond, and were now gathering in the corn fields. I felt privileged to be able to witness this social gathering of these beautiful elegant birds, as they spent the winter at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.

Sandhill Cranes have an elegance that draws attention. These tall, gray-bodied, crimson-capped birds breed in open wetlands, fields, and prairies across North America. Cranes are extremely social birds, and they communicate via sounds and visual displays. They gesture with whole-body postures and movements, thereby expressing emotion and intent. Sandhill Cranes have a bugling call that is very beautiful and unique, and can be heard from miles away.

Photo taken on January 9th, 2019, at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in NM.