Visit with a young crane

Juvenile sandhill crane standing on the grass.

There I was taking my lunch break at a picnic table in Vilas Park, when the resident sandhill crane family came sauntering over.

Three sandhill cranes walking along the grass in a park. A basketball court is in the background.

An adult and juvenile sandhill crane walking close by.

They walked by, just a few feet away, when the juvenile began to search the grass for tasty treats right in front of me!

The backside of an adult sandhill crane walking away as the juvenile has turned toward the camera.

A juvenile sandhill crane continues to walk toward the camera looking at the grass.

It was so close… I had to restrain myself from reaching out to pet those feathers.

Closer view of a juvenile sandhill crane pecking at the grass.

Not finding much to eat there, they started walking away, but then decided it was time to do some preening, before catching up to their parents.

Juvenile sandhill crane standing on the grass, with its neck curved downward, beak preening the underside of its body.

Thank you young one, I enjoyed your visit!

Juvenile sandhill crane standing on the grass, head facing sideways.

2 comments on “Visit with a young crane”

  2. It really was a cool experience! I’m lucky that the park is so close to work — there’s nothing like a little nature time in the middle of the work day.

    Thanks for the comment, Chris!

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