Mom and Dad Sandhill Cranes Change Places on the Nest: Yesterday, I heard about a pair of sandhill cranes that had returned to a nest that they had occupied for several years and in...

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Mom and Dad Sandhill Cranes Change Places on the Nest

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Feb 14, 2017 19:13:08 #

Madman Loc: Gulf Coast, Florida USA

Yesterday, I heard about a pair of sandhill cranes that had returned to a nest that they had occupied for several years and in which they had born many offspring. Decided to take a look today.

I started out under cloudy skies this morning, watching the nest for about an hour. One crane was incubating while the other foraged nearby and kicking out the errant little blue heron that dared wander too close to the nest. At one time, the incubating bird stood up, moved the two baseball sized eggs around in the nest then sat back down.

I left for a while, then returned under sunnier skies, albeit with the sun not in a very good location. This time I was blessed with seeing one parent relieve the other on the eggs.

Here are ten photos showing the swap. And don't ask me which is Mommy and which is Daddy, because I don't know!

Hope you enjoy.

(Download)

Feb 14, 2017 19:49:33 #

wbchinook Loc: Everson WA

Great set. Is the nest on an island? I guess even a fox or raccoon wouldn't mess with a protective parent.
Aren't any birds nesting around here yet. The few Sandhills that winter here will soon fly North.

Feb 14, 2017 19:58:41 #

Madman Loc: Gulf Coast, Florida USA

wbchinook wrote:

Thanks for looking in.

Technically, the nest is on an island - about 200 square feet in size in a medium size pond. There was a little blue heron that got the boot from Dad when he got to close to the nest. We are fortunate to have some sandhills all year.

Feb 14, 2017 20:00:31 #