This trio of Sandhill Cranes are Beth Jukuri’s newest neighbors. I don’t think she’ll have to worry too much about them staying in the neighborhood long, since it’s just about time for them to head south. They’re one of those snowbird critters. I did some searching for information about these large birds that hang around our open fields and was pleasantly surprised to learn that the Sandhill Crane is one of the oldest bird species, with fossils dating back at least two million years. They often symbolize good luck, long life, faithfulness, new beginnings and vigilance. In some Native American cultures they symbolize leadership, wisdom and hope. With their lifelong partnerships, they’re also seen as symbols of family devotion. Interesting birds, for sure.

Their call has been described as a loud, rattling bugle call. Each call lasts a couple seconds and are often strung together. They’re quite loud and can be heard up to 2.5 miles away. I’ve always thought they sounded prehistoric... makes sense if they’re one of the oldest bird species. I recorded today’s video of a flock of Sandhill Cranes in the field recently. My apologies for the wind, I think it was blowing around 18 mph, so it’s noisy. Make sure you have your speakers turned up if you want to hear their call.

Great audio capture of their voices :)

Awesome photos, Beth, and interesting
information, Mary. Thanks for doing
the research.

Nice sedge of cranes!
And they like to
stick their neck out.
To me they sound
like squeaky wheels
that could use a
shot of WD-40.

Hi
Mary, I've said their call sounds like a pterdactyl.
Down here in Jackson County there are places where
they congregate in the fall. I enjoyed the video and
hope to see something like it in real life.

Waaaaaaaaaay back in the day, they used to
congregate on Post Road...there's houses now...so
Rice Lake is close enough! I love listening to
them. awesome critters!