Cranes and Other Spring Tidings

It's been several days since the Sandhill Cranes have been reported from Canaan. I want to post my Lakeville Journal story in its entirey here, because some of the text was accidentally cut off in the print version.

CRANES IN THE CORNER! Following reports from several people in northeastern Canaan, near the Massachusetts line, last Friday afternoon I took a drive there and was rewarded with the splendid sight of six sandhill cranes feeding in a cornfield. Ornithologists who follow these things say that these birds have been dramatically expanding their range southward from eastern Canada. Nevertheless, their presence in the Nutmeg State is an exciting event heralding the spring.

The sandhill crane is a majestic bird and a symbol of the wild. Standing nearly four feet tall, it has mostly gray plumage with a "bustle" of feathers for a tail. Its cheeks are white and its head is topped by a bright red crown composed of bare skin, not feathers. Most thrilling, sandhill cranes emit a wild, bugling call — it sounds as if someone placed a loose rattle inside a muted trumpet.

The Canaan cranes are most likely two families of migrants stopping to feed on the corn stubble on their way to breeding north of us. (The only confirmed nesting in New England to date is of a pair in Kennebec County, Maine.) Two of the birds had shades of brownish-rust plumage, indicating that they are young birds born last summer — presumably one with each adult pair. These juveniles will remain with their parents until shortly before nesting begins.

It is not impossible to imagine cranes eventually nesting in our region, given current trends, provided that suitable habitat — expansive, undisturbed marshes — remains. Meanwhile, a roadside reconnaissance of the fields around the north end of Canaan Valley Road is well worth the effort.

A strong note of caution, however: Birding ethics demands the utmost respect for the property and privacy rights of landowners, and for the birds. Keep off private property. It is generally possible to view the cranes from the road or other publicly accessible spots. Keep a respectful distance from houses, and from the birds, so they are not disturbed.

Other recent sightings: Eastern Phoebe, American Kestrel, Tree Swallow, Common Merganser, and a Wild Turkey in our backyard. Plus, lots of singing -- American Robins, Song Sparrows, Tufted Titmice, etc.