[Abster]

Originally Posted by duffysmom

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?

[Bobcuse]

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.

[ttown]

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.

[DougB]

Originally Posted by Parker

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.

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

[Villager Joyce]

Originally Posted by DougB

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

Doug B, Sad but true!

[Vernster]

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