Sand Hill Crane in trouble?
 

Driving north on Morse Blvd between 466 and San Marino Drive on the right hand (east) side of the road in the grass stood a sand hill crane next to another sand hill crane who was lying in the grass. We have seen these birds all over, including in our yard, but have never seen one lying down. I didn't think too much about it but when returning home 45 minutes later, they both were still there in the same positions. I certainly hope the one wasn't struck by a vehicle and the mate guarding her/him. I wanted to call someone but have no idea who to call or if anyone would even respond since they are wild birds. If anyone has any ideas please respond.

I am so afraid you are right. I am sure that everyone that reads it will be sad. They mate for life.

I hope someone called the appropriate service to help. They are so beautiful to watch.

I believe they are a protected species. Maybe calling an Animal Rights group can provide some better info.

Perhaps you should call a local vet. They may have some information on what to do.

Sandhill cranes lay down to rest and the mate stands guard. You will see one crane standing guard while it's mate feeds as well. I've observed these behaviors for years and love these birds. I read that they have a hunting season for Sandhill Cranes in the mid west. Say it ain't so!!!!

Yes they are protected.

http://m.myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/...andhill-crane/

Not sure what time you went by but we saw them about noon today but did not see them on our return around 330 pm.

Wildlife Assistance/Nuisance Wildlife

above is State of Florida answer who to call for help w/injured wildlife. yay google.

Never heard of a Crane laying down to rest....WORRIED....they mate for life and their offspring are newborn / young now.....the other Mate will go into mourning for a long time if there is something wrong with that Crane...PLEASE let me know how it goes....

Curiosity leads to this question. We, as humans, and as seen on this thread, notice and worry over a distressed creature. I kind of wonder if creatures note when humans are distressed, perhaps have concern for us as well. I certainly know dogs do. But what about those sandhill cranes?

Obviously, I have too much time on my hands.

Not in my opinion, but dogs certainly do.

Well, I remember a news story a couple years ago where a young boy/toddler fell into a lion cage at the zoo where he landed, unconscious. The female lion circled and sniffed and nudged. She appeared to be aware this was young life and hovered nearby without molesting the boy. She APPEARED concerned and aware. At the time, this video got lots of attention because of it.

You are correct, there is a hting season up nort, not sure what states, but hundreds of them tear up farmers crops.

Just this week saw a sandhill crane resting in the shade while the mate stood guard on Palmer golf course. I've seen this behavior many times. It reminds me of deer. When the female gives birth she drops the baby and runs away to deposit afterbirth in another location. She does this to protect the baby from predators. She always returns to the baby but good samaritans see the baby alone and try to save it. Hopefully the crane that the OP observed is up and about.

I saw the pair about an hour ago - same place. It's an odd place for them to remain with such heavy traffic? Could be injured?

Sand Hill Cranes gone from Morse
 

The two Sand Hill Cranes were gone when I returned Friday evening to check on them so I assume they are hopefully ok. The responses were helpful in offering a possible explanation as to why one was lying down and the other standing watch, and I suspect that the female was lying down and the male standing watch because yesterday we saw the same thing on the bank of Lake Sumter, so perhaps it is the season for the females to give birth. Coincidentally on Thursday we stopped while driving on Bailey Trail to allow two adults and two babies to cross the road. It's ironic that after 12 years in the Villages we had never seen one lying down before but we feel much better knowing they are probably safe.

We are on a golf course with the cranes coming often. We have shade and one , both, or all three if the baby is there, lay down under the tree.

Cats notice when we are distressed. It's just that they really don't care.

Doug B, Sad but true!

If it happens again, you can call The Villages Bird Club. They send some one out right away.