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Feeding the Sandhill Cranes (This first appeared in the March 1995 issue of the original B.A.R.B.) |
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Feeding the Sandhill Cranes (This first appeared in the March 1995 issue of the original B.A.R.B.) |
Several Sandhill Cranes have been visiting our
yard regularly since we moved into our new house last September. A family of four cranes
seems to have claimed our yard for their territory and will chase off any other birds that
are here when they arrive. It is amusing to watch them as they flap their wings and charge
towards a flock of grackles and blackbirds. It is amazing to watch as they take feed from
Hank’s hand when he goes out to greet them.
One day Hank wasn't home when they arrived and I was unable to get feed for them. I watched them as they walked around the entire screened porch, looking in at the patio, then checking the front yard before returning to the area around the birdfeeder to forage. They seem to know even without checking whether or not there is an abundance of seed on the ground. If there is no seed on the ground, they proceed to the door where Hank usually exits to feed them. When they see Hank, they come running.
Copyright © 1995, 1999, 2000 by Dotty Hull, Hank Hull and Richard L. Becker
