Right in the middle of town near a busy highway and several busy shops is a drainage pond. And there in the middle on a very little high spot is a nesting Sand Hill Crane. She has had to try and build up the nest daily, as it is our rainy season and every afternoon we get tropical storms or quite a lot of sudden rain! Her partner helps her by bringing material to her and she adds it to the nest.
Here us a closer view. You can see her red head. Sand Hill Cranes are plentiful here and they tend to like open territory and you often see them in people's yards or near businesses. They are big birds, standing about 40 to 48 inches tall. They are mostly grey with red forehead and sometimes look rusty colored because of iron stains from pond water. They mate for life and you always see a pair together or with their offspring. Usually there are two brown spotted buff color eggs and the chicks are fluffy yellow things.! Click on photos to enlarge.
Here is a watercolor painting I did of a pair of Sand Hill Cranes. I keep wanting a pair to live on my property, but so far no luck!
Right in the middle of town near a busy highway and several busy shops is a drainage pond. And there in the middle on a very little high spot is a nesting Sand Hill Crane. She has had to try and build up the nest daily, as it is our rainy season and every afternoon we get tropical storms or quite a lot of sudden rain! Her partner helps her by bringing material to her and she adds it to the nest.
Here us a closer view. You can see her red head. Sand Hill Cranes are plentiful here and they tend to like open territory and you often see them in people's yards or near businesses. They are big birds, standing about 40 to 48 inches tall. They are mostly grey with red forehead and sometimes look rusty colored because of iron stains from pond water. They mate for life and you always see a pair together or with their offspring. Usually there are two brown spotted buff color eggs and the chicks are fluffy yellow things.! Click on photos to enlarge.
Here is a watercolor painting I did of a pair of Sand Hill Cranes. I keep wanting a pair to live on my property, but so far no luck!
Oh isn't that sweet,it would be a little tough to watch in case they can't get ahead of the rising water? Your painting is gorgeous, in my next life I am going to ask got for that talent!
ReplyDeleteCarol
What a sight to see, a Sandhill Crane. They migrate through Colorado and there are two places where birdwatchers gather to see them. One place in southern Colorado and closer to us (maybe) in Nebraska. We have talked about going to see them, but what a treat to have one nesting so near. I am absolutely jealous that you are going to England. I do hope that you see a play at the Royal Shakespeare theatre because it is a treat. We saw Hamlet there in 2001. As for the fire, we are not threatened for it is some distance away; however, the smoke was very heavy here. It is still raging and not contained and man started. Do use the Bayers. I have had great results. I hope you continue to blog from England. Oh and go visit Will's grave. It is in a chapel near the river.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Carol and Ann.
ReplyDeleteOh Egretta, how wonderful to see that bird nesting against all odds in such an inhospitable place. We have an endangered bird which nests at our family's holiday home and the Department of Conservation puts out signs and pieces of string all around the nest and all the holiday makers take it upon themselves to keep watch and protect the nest from dogs and careless people, it is fascinating. (But they do tend to choose the silliest spots to nest sometimes when there are much more suitable places, I must say!)
ReplyDeleteI love your painting - gorgeous! They are lovely birds.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, Mrs. Shoestring Cottage and Kelli from http://kelliboylesgarden.blogspot.com/ I see that you have a similar post, Kelli, with a swan's nest and her little babies have hatched.
ReplyDeleteHello dear friend, How wonderful, I wish I could take life so undisturbed. They have made themselves at home. I love your watercolor, you are talented gal. Enjoy, Kathy
ReplyDeleteThanks Kathy!
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