Sandhill Cranes

I took these in 2010...last year the nests were flooded out when we got 18 inches of rain in 36 hours.

I have been watching the nesting activities this year with fingers crossed for better luck..


That is a nest right between the birds...they abandoned it.. I am guessing the eggs were lost, maybe a turtle? there are some really big ones in the lake.



This nest was the center of a lot activity last Friday...both pairs very vocal, standing at the edge and looking into the nest...the pair that left their nest flew in short circles and landed close by this nest. I thought perhaps a egg had hatched... I went there yesterday hoping...but although the hen is still at the nest, there is a different attitude..the male was not there for over a hour, then he showed up and they stood looking into the nest...then walked off quite a way...he flew away and she went back to the nest but didn't sit on it for a long time. My guess is a egg did hatch but the colt was taken by a hawk. I am so sad for the loss...Shirley

Im surprised at the colour of the young crane Shirley, sad to hear about the loss as they look to be an attentive species, hope they have more sucess.

Nature and the wild world can seem so cruel at times

Love the second picture of the little chick.

Wow! The babies! *squeeeee!*

xx

Like the second one, that young un sure looks cute...