By Ken Hook

During the month of April, the large Sandhill Crane is migrating north to their breeding grounds. When you are walking outside you may hear a loud, almost trumpet sounding bird overhead, quite different from our Canada Geese.

Sandhill Cranes are among our largest birds. The same size as the Great Blue Heron, they can be distinguished in flight by their outstretched neck and trailing legs. The wing tips are black which are easily seen in contrast to the grey or white body when flying. The call also gives them away and can be heard nearly 1 kilometre away.

In Addington Highlands, we see them migrating primarily in the morning flying over Skootamatta Lake individually or in small groups. They may stop for resting in open fields or marshes. Lennox & Addington County is not in their regular flight migration path – we are a bit east of the main flyways. However, in recent years they are being seen more frequently on their way from their winter grounds in Florida to their breeding grounds in the far north and Arctic regions.

If you go South in the winter to Florida, one of the best places to see large numbers of Sandhills is the Beef Experimental Farm in Gainesville, Florida. Within the city limits, the cranes can be seen in the fields throughout this urban farm.