Florida Sandhill Crane; A Threatened Species

The Florida Sandhill Crane is a threatened bird species but can become an endangered species if we are not made aware of what we are doing to its habitat. A "threatened species" is close to becoming an endangered species in the future if preventive measures are not taken quickly. When we protect a species like the Florida Sandhill Crane at a critical point, the endangered and total extinction can be easily avoided. The Sandhill Crane actually goes back to prehistoric times, some 1.8 million years go. Of course the ancient Sandhill cranes were a lot larger back then compared to its four foot size of today.

They can be found from South Florida's Everglades to the Okefenokee Swamp in southern Georgia. I had the privilege of seeing a few of the 4,000 to 5,000 Florida Sandhill Cranes while I was enjoying a day's outing on the St. John's River at Blue Springs, Florida. What is cool about these cranes is they participate in a dancing ritual which can include jumping, running, stick tossing, wing flapping and bowing. Dancing is considered a common activity and may help relive stress or it might strengthen the bond between a male and female Sandhill Crane. Another interesting feature about them is they have a trumpeting call that can be heard for many miles. Typically they like shallow freshwater marshes, prairies, pastures and farmlands of Florida. They also mate for life. These beautiful birds live up to 20 years.

There have been stories of these birds developing territories in some of our Florida neighborhoods and causing damage to cars or windows. The reason this is happening is because they see their reflection thinking it is another bird. I guess that's no different than smaller birds flying in windows.

The way this happens is after they see their reflection; they use their long sharp beaks to attack the "other bird" and viola! You have to either call Maaco Auto Paint and Repair shop for a paint job or a window company. This is one reason why it's not good to feed the birds too. You do not want to encourage their territorial nature. Besides, it is against the law.

One reason I am writing this article is to bring attention to tourist or even residents of Florida. Through education about our wildlife we can learn to respect them and coexist. Without our wildlife, we cannot exist. Think about it!