Growing up in western New York state, I never saw Sandhill Cranes. My first encounter with one was during a bike ride shortly after moving to Ann Arbor to go to grad school at the University of Michigan. Rolling along a quiet country road about 15 miles from campus, I spied a few in a farmer’s field. They were pretty far away, but there was no mistaking their identity. They were undeniably Sandhill Cranes! As the weeks went by I saw plenty more, some even fairly close. Over the years I’ve probably seen thousands in this state, including colossal numbers at places like Mud Lake Marsh near Jackson, but it still gives me a thrill to catch a glimpse of one or hear their bugling call.
Phyllis Haehnle Memorial Sanctuary is a great place to see them in the fall. There you can be treated to the sight of vast numbers flocking in from a day in the fields. If the wind direction and weather are right, you might witness hundreds—or even thousands—flying right over your head in the golden light of sunset. I can definitely think of worse ways to wrap up a day!
I got photo references for this drawing at Kensington Metropark near Brighton, Michigan. A few sandhills there have become habituated to people. They must have been used to handouts, because they sauntered right up next to us. What would you offer a crane?
I usually see them munching on waste corn in fields. I know they are somewhat omnivorous, downing everything from seeds and invertebrates to other bird’s nestlings. One friend told us about her sister in Florida, who had a crane habituated to come to her back door where she would feed it hot dogs! That seems like a bad idea in so many ways. Of course, hot dogs always seem like a bad idea to me. I don’t think I’ve touched one for at least 20 years. Do you think the bird came back looking for relish? “Come on lady, let’s put the ‘omni-’ in omnivore!”
Sometimes the sandhills at Kensington were too close to focus on. It is pretty breathtaking to get so close to a huge “wild” bird and have it look you right in the eye, even if it seems a little disappointed that you don’t have any corn or hot dogs. Hmm… maybe they were looking for corndogs?
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