Sandhill Crane

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Sandy Ridge Surprise

Posted by Photonstopper on May 26, 2023
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After a long absence, we returned to Sandy Ridge Reservation, a notable area for birders in the Lorain Metro Parks System, and were richly rewarded. We spotted and watched a Sand Hill Crane family as they explored the waters’ edge for food: the impressive adults escorted their colt (that’s what the young are called) watching humans watching them from the nearby path. The colt was allowed to explore a bit on its own but the mated pair were never far away. It was thrilling to see the family and a first for me; a wonderful surprise.

As we watched the Sandhill Cranes, Great Egrets, and dragonflies, an American Bald Eagle soared overhead. We could not see the eagle’s nest but behavior told us it was on hunting flights, probably feeding its young in the hidden nest.

A Sandhill Crane colt (That's what their young are called!) combs the wetlands for food with one of its parents.
A Sandhill Crane colt combs the wetlands for food with one of its parents.
A Common Green Darner (Anax junius) in flight
Big Foot: This Great Egret was wading the shallow waters of the wetland searching for food, the vivid green patch marking at the base of its beak was particularly striking. Caught mid-stride in this photo, the span of the bird’s toes on its raised foot is impressive!
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Looks like autumn

Posted by Photonstopper on September 16, 2015
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Photo: Sand Hill Crane (Grus canadensis) Watches from Amongst Yellow Blooms. Photo by James Guilford.

Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) Watches from Amongst Yellow Blooms

One of our more recent discoveries that has become a favorite place is the Sandy Ridge Reservation of Lorain County Metro Parks. A wetland surrounded by super-highways, industrial plants, and new suburban development, the place is a haven for all manner of wildlife … most especially, birds. While I’m only posting the one image (above) today, we were enthralled yesterday by the beauty and behavior of several Great Egrets, the statuesque poses of a couple of Great Blue Herons, and a pair of Sandhill Cranes that were patrolling drier areas between open water and the pedestrian path. The weather was excellent for our visit — high 70s and low humidity — though all around us were hints of coloration more reminiscent of fall. The day felt like summer but looked like autumn.