Sandhill Crane - Lost its mate :( (1 Viewer)

[outatime]

Hello all

Need some info please, for the last two years I have had a pair of Sandhill Cranes come visit my garden here in Central Florida and they have returned nearly everyday to visit and often attack my birdfeeder helping themselfs to seed!

Anyway to cut a long story short it appears for the last three weeks only one Crane has been coming back to visit but missing its partner, I am a little worried about this crane now and feed bad!

Is there any chance maybe the other Crane is nesting and looking after eggs maybe which is why its not appeared? Will the crane ever find another partner again if it has been lost?

Thank you for your advice

Stu

 

[delia todd]

Hi Stu I see this is your first post, so may I welcome you on behalf of the Staff and Moderators.

I'm sorry I can't help with your question, but am sure someone will be along soon

D

 

[Dave B Smith]

Hello Stu,
First, another welcome to the Birdforum. As to your question on the Cranes, yes, it is possible that they are nesting right now (Jan to May) and yes, they normally do mate for life (at least, as long as they both shall live). Here's a link with a little more info on Sandhill Cranes.

 

[outatime]

Thank you all for your replies, much appricated.

 

[outatime]

Just wanted to add a happy ending to this post of mine earlier in the year, about a month or so later the one crane arrived with two tiny babies, then about another month after that both parents and two chicks started coming back just like that used too. I watched them grow throughout the year and are both fully grown adults now!

These are such beautiful birds to have walk around my garden nearly everyday I feel so blessed!

I am curious though, are the two chicks (now adults) likely to fly off anytime soon or will they keep returning looking for food with the parents? They seem such a happy family unit I would hate to see them all split!

Thank you and happy holidays to all

Stuart

 

[Dave B Smith]

Stuart,
Thanks for the update. Always nice to hear about a happy ending.