S a n d h i l l   C r a n e s

Many years ago when I was growing up in the prairies and swamp lands of Florida, I would hear a haunting and beautiful sound echoing for long distances. This sound, I learned later, was the call of the regal Sandhill Crane arriving at their feeding grounds.

As time went on I observed these magnificent 5-foot tall, gray birds, doing their mating dances near some swampy wetlands. And I watched them feed in some farmer's field. Every once in a while one would raise his head and bugle a call that sent chills up and down my spine. What a wild and wonderful bird it was!

Now, living in Tennessee, I get to see thousands of them each year as they migrate from Canada and Northern U.S. States to wintering grounds in Southern U.S. and parts of Mexico.

One of the largest concentration centers is around an area close to Chattanooga called Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge. Thousands of cranes use this as the gathering point for their long journey North in February and March. Large fields of grain planted just for them and the Canada Geese that use the same flyways, supply much of their needed energy for their nesting and egg laying.

Weather permitting, 30-100 birds launch into the air and find a rising thermal that lifts them almost effortlessly thousands of feet into the sky.

They fly day and night in large "V" formations with the leader bugling to others often so they won't loose their way. They follow some ancient map imprinted in their little brains. Navigating by stars at night and landmarks during the day, they soon arrive at familiar nesting and feeding grounds. This starts the crane's life cycle all over again.

There are six subspecies of Sandhill Cranes in the U.S. with the smallest being in Mississippi. This species is close to extinction now. With habitat destruction and wetlands drainage there is little hope for this once abundant bird to survive unless help is given soon. Other populations seem to be doing much better. Some Sandhills travel and live with their larger cousins, the Whooping Cranes, who are having their own fight for survival.

We can all help in small ways by providing even small habitats for birds, amphibians, and insects around our homes. Our Creator tells us in the Bible to have dominion over the wildlife of the earth which means providing for their well-being, and for their future. This is a great responsibility.

What can you do to help nature?

Burney Tompkins

    - Uncle Burney