Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis)
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Austin is located along one of the migratory paths of the sandhill crane. These majestic birds pass overhead twice a year as they move between their wintering grounds on the Gulf coast and their summer breeding grounds to the north. The photo above shows how they are usually seen in this area. The cranes are often heard first, as their distinctive calls carry well at times, and then spotted as they fly in large formations high overhead. They can sometimes be seen at lower elevations and then will frequently circle in thermals to gain height before continuing on. During the height of the migration, thousands of birds may pass overhead in a seemingly endless parade.
A closer look at a sandhill crane is included below, but the birds are not seen on the ground here in the Hartman Prehistoric Garden. This photo was taken in a Florida state park, where the birds live year round, and also become used to people.
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class: Aves / order: Gruiformes / family: Gruidae / genus: Grus / species: canadensis
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