[alemorkam]

Sand Hill Cranes are sitting on eggs around The Villages. Soon we will be seeing scenes like this.

[ThirdOfFive]

I've been a hunter all my life, and I know that sandhill cranes are known as "Ribeye of the sky", but in truth I could never kill such a beautiful, regal bird as a sandhill crane.

[Bay Kid]

Beautiful pictures!

[PugMom]

what's the roundabout area where this pic was taken? i want to keep a watchful eye while driving

[alwann]

What is the gestation period for these birds? Wasn't more than a month ago I saw a flock of them -- maybe as many as 30 -- doing their dance, and already there are colts. (Or maybe that wasn't a mating dance marathon but a political convention to choose a new leader. Maybe it will be Larry Bird. )

[ThirdOfFive]

Originally Posted by alwann

What is the gestation period for these birds? Wasn't more than a month ago I saw a flock of them -- maybe as many as 30 -- doing their dance, and already there are colts. (Or maybe that wasn't a mating dance marathon but a political convention to choose a new leader. Maybe it will be Larry Bird. )

Or Robin Willams?

[rustyp]

Originally Posted by alwann

What is the gestation period for these birds? Wasn't more than a month ago I saw a flock of them -- maybe as many as 30 -- doing their dance, and already there are colts. (Or maybe that wasn't a mating dance marathon but a political convention to choose a new leader. Maybe it will be Larry Bird. )

Looks more like the chicken dance to me. Da da da da da da da

[alwann]

Originally Posted by ThirdOfFive

Or Robin Willams?

Or Fraser Crane.

[ouicestmoi]

"Sandhill crane nests are built by both mates with grass, moss, and sticks. Females lay two eggs that incubate for 32 days. Both male and female participate in incubating the eggs (Nesbitt 1996). The offspring will begin traveling from the nest with their parents just 24-hours after hatching."

[La lamy]

Love the pics. Thanks.

[RobinM]

Darling! I can hardly wait to see them this year! Thank you for the photos.

[Jewelz]

Originally Posted by ouicestmoi

"Sandhill crane nests are built by both mates with grass, moss, and sticks. Females lay two eggs that incubate for 32 days. Both male and female participate in incubating the eggs (Nesbitt 1996). The offspring will begin traveling from the nest with their parents just 24-hours after hatching."

That is amazing that it only takes 32 days to hatch and they’re up and moving within a day!
I love watching these babies grow up… Thanks so much for Sharing your beautiful pictures!

[cleosmum]

Beautiful! Thank you for sharing.

[bark4me]

Originally Posted by alemorkam

Sand Hill Cranes are sitting on eggs around The Villages. Soon we will be seeing scenes like this.

What beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing.

[Whitley]

Our community in SRQ sends out flyers to each home this time of year, reminding everyone that the sandhill cranes mate for life. Makes me especially paranoid when I drive by an area where I know they are nesting. There is one couple who set up home on the median of a very busy road. Many times one of them will just walk out (which would be the left lane) and stop traffic.