Bev reports that on Tuesday evening when she and Brooke did the evening roost check the cranes were out of the pen. Bev says “They continued to forage for a good hour and when the sun started to set, we were getting a little nervous they might not fly back into the pen, so we played the brood call over the loud hailer. The chicks called in response, then went about their business. Due to their seeming disregard of their call home, Brooke donned his costume to go out to the pen. By the time he got to the bottom of the steps to the blind, the chicks took to the wing, flew a lap, then landed in the pen at the feeder. All was quiet for the rest of the night and the birds were tucked in to the oyster bar by 7 pm.”
These photos were snapped as the trio returned to the release pen to join the brood model (aka Dummy Mummy) to roost for the night.
The cranes return to the safety of their open-topped enclosure to roost for the night.
Coming in on final approach
I think it’s so funny the way they answered the brood call as they continued to go on about their business. Teenagers…!!!
How long does the OM crew continue to interact with the birds at St. Marks?
They are checked on twice each day (morning and evening) but there is little interaction. They will continue to be checked until they initiate their return migration.
I realize they have done this successfully in the past, but I’m curious if has ever been concern that the presence of the Dummy Mummy and the ‘tumes may encourage the birds to hang around too long or not leave at all?
Very unlikely – as they mature, like most teens, they become independent and want nothing to do with parents.
Thank you, Bev, for the update! We are always so glad and appreciative to hear news of the birds! The photos are really nice! Those birds are becoming so white……….our babies are growing up so fast! Sigh…………..
Excellent pictures as always. Thanks OM.
This report had me holding my breath about whether the “colts” were going to take off and head North for the Spring. Any guesses as to when they might really do that?
Margie, typically the cranes initiate their own return migration anywhere from mid-March to the beginning of April, however, this year seems to be early for the Sandhills returning so who knows? Stay tuned…
Thanks again, Heather! Great comments from all who replied! I think it is funny too that they are so like human teenagers! LOL
