Dee At 8 A.M.: Sandhill Crane

Showing posts with label Sandhill Crane. Show all posts

Saturday, April 4, 2026

April 4, 2026

I am known as a Sandhill Crane

Though at the moment I don't look my best

I'm having a personal issue right now

Most likely mites, or maybe I'm possessed!

(If you happen to run into my bestie Heather today, make sure you wish her the happiest of birthdays!)

Location: Orlando Wetlands, Christmas FL

Sources: https://acarina.utmn.ru/upload/iblock/ecc/2y6iyfhazgc04q53ttltolarfnx473u7/3_S.-V.-Mironov.pdf

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Friday, February 6, 2026

February 6, 2026

[In memory of Catherine O'Hara]

We are a pair of Sandhill Cranes

Wandering about, we've nothing better to do

I feel like we are forgetting something...

Oops! I'm missing an egg or two!

(No eggs were harmed in the making of this blog entry... she got back to her nest before a predator did. Although I'm pretty sure I heard the mom yelling "KEVIN". )

Location: Micco Scrub

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Sandhill_Crane/overview

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

September 16, 2025

We are a pair of Sandhill Cranes

Having breakfast with our friends, the Black Vultures

We get along well

But sometimes the smell

Makes us question their Epicurean culture.

Location: Cocoa, Leroy Wright Recreation Area

Sources: https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/epicurean
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Sandhill_Crane/overview
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black_Vulture

Monday, April 8, 2024

April 8, 2024

We are a family of Sandhill Cranes

A mom and a dad and two babies

Before we make babies we dance

It's our way of romance -

We stretch and jump like the kids in the 80's.

Location: WW Ranch Road, SSRPSP

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Sandhill_Crane/overview

https://youtu.be/JpZRPCZfz_E?si=ao_hQxLTTR-90Fj4

Thursday, November 9, 2023

November 9, 2023

I am known as a Sandhill Crane

Sandhill is habitat used by snakes, Scrub Jays and Turkeys
But I actually rarely hang out in Sandhills

Bird namers can sometimes be derpy.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://climateadaptationexplorer.org/habitats/terrestrial/1240

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Thursday, December 8, 2022

December 8, 2022

We are a pair of Sandhill Cranes

We are known to mate for life

But occasionally we peruse the Sibley Guide

Variety's the spice of life, it cannot be denied.

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Sandhill_Crane/id

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Friday, March 20, 2020

March 20, 2020

Location: Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area, Fellsmere

We are known as Sandhill Cranes,
In flight, here's some tips for ID:
Look for long wings, extremely slow flapping,
A thin neck, and large, round body.

Sunday, July 21, 2019

July 21, 2019

Location: Sebastian, St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

I am known as a Sandhill Crane
I forage prairies and grasslands for grains.
I don't hunt in open water the way herons do.
Nor do I scrunch my neck up, that would be a pain.

Monday, December 24, 2018

December 24, 2018

Location: Cocoa, city park

I am a Florida Sandhill Crane
For a Sandhill, I'm medium sized.
How big I am varies based on where I live,
But my plumage is standardized.