Sandhill Cranes

This gallery contains 4 photos. My first encounter with a family of (Greater) Sandhill Cranes happened when the second colt (or chick) hatched on our visit to the Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary on May 26. Even one of the largest bird species in North America starts life as small and vulnerable creatures, although Sandhill Crane colts are born precocial; they are covered in [orange] down, and are able to see, move around, and swim within a few hours of hatching.

a long-distance shot of father and older chick foraging for food on their island nest
f/10, 1/200, 500mm, ISO 500 

Both parents are the long-term resident Sandhill Crane pair at Reifel (gangs of unattached “bachelor”) cranes do visit throughout the year). Parenthood is a shared affair; the father tends to the older chick, while the mother takes care of the younger. Photographed on May 26. Last year, no chicks were produced by this pair (the eggs were predated on, most likely by mink, river otter, or other local predators).

a long-distance shot of mother, older chick (top), and newly hatched chick (bottom)
f/10, 1/200, 500mm, ISO 500 

As is common (and may come as a shock to many of us), fratricide is common in Sandhill Cranes — if food is scarce, the stronger chick may drive off (and ultimately, be responsible for the death of) the weaker one. This has been the case with the hatchlings of this particular resident pair for the past 5-6 years, and sadly, appeared to be the case with this younger colt, which did not survive past its first day. It seems cruel, and yet is a reflection of nature’s maxim: survival of the fittest.

1-month old colt foraging with parents near one of many ponds at Reifel
f/7.1, 1/250, 150mm, ISO 100 

Although mom and dad can put up a formidable defense against potential predators, thanks to their long, sharp bills and powerful legs, losses still can happen in the first month of its life (this was the only hatchling to make it to that important milestone in Metro Vancouver in 2016; both colts at Minnekhada Park did not survive past their first few weeks). Photographed on June 21.

this growing colt will spend the next 8 months with mom and dad before leaving the nest
f/6.3, 1/400, 500mm, ISO 500 

Learn more about Sandhill Cranes here.

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