Fall is here again, and fall migration well under way in the bird world. Some birds left us as early as late July or early August, and the last won’t really be gone until there is lingering snow and the temperatures fall dramatically. One of the most dramatic of fall migration sights is a mass movement of large birds such as hawks. Somehow the coordinated and steadfast determination to travel at the same time to their winter destination is inspiring. Witnessing the mass migration of today’s species, the Sandhill Crane, is just such an inspiration.

Small flock of Sandhill Cranes in fall migration.

Sandhill Cranes are very large birds, roughly the same size as a Great Blue Heron, but relatively lanky in comparison. They stand 2.75  – 4 ft / ~ 0.8 – 1.2 m in height and have a wingspan of 6 – 7.5 ft / ~1.8 – 2.3m. When herons fly they fold their necks and tuck their heads close to their bodies, but cranes extend both their necks and their legs, creating a very different profile. Sandhill Cranes have brownish grey bodies, long black legs, a red crown and pale cheeks. Unlike the Great Blue Heron’s chunky dagger-shaped beak, they have a long, slender black beak. They are easily recognized when seen on the ground if you are lucky enough to spot their rare passing visits to the Kelowna area. You are much more likely to see them if they fly over, but occasionally a few touch down to feed here and there.

A closer look at Sandhill Cranes in flight.

Sandhill Cranes breed in Canada’s north in muskeg, tundra and forest clearings. They lay only one egg each summer so have one precious chick to raise. They like damp open meadows, and feed on shoots, grains, and also aquatic mollusks and insects. They nest in families, not in large colonies but gather together when making their long journey southward at this time of year. During the winter months the flocks remain together in close quarters, roosting in or near marshes in the southern US and northern Mexico before moving north together again in the spring.

A second look at Sandhill Cranes in flight.

These birds are famous for their elaborate courtship dances, which you might have seen footage of on TV or YouTube. This pair-bonding ritual is accompanied by mirroring movements, far-carrying calls and ‘duets’ between the two birds, and is fascinating to watch. (Other species of crane across the globe are also known for similar behaviour.)

A family trio feeding in a damp pasture. This year’s chick is on the left, in front, with no red crown.

There is no doubt that one of the most incredible bird sights I have ever been lucky enough to witness was the movement of huge flocks of Sandhill Cranes over the high ground to the west of Okanagan Lake one fall. It was some 25 years ago but has stayed with me ever since. It was the third week in September. We had stopped for a picnic lunch up at Kentucky-Alleyne campsite on our way back from a camping trip further west. In the early afternoon I started to hear the unmistakable bugling and croaking calls of a large movement of cranes overhead. When I looked up I saw the flock, and then another flock, and then another flock, and yet another. There were thousands of birds on the move! Organized into groupings of some 200 – 400 individuals, they flew in their deep V formations high overhead.

The same family trio flying, chick following parents.

As we watched we repeatedly saw one individual bird from each flock peel off from the rear and head back to greet the flock following. This happened over and over again. We surmised that as the flocks headed south along the same route they took advantage of the heat thermals rising from bare rocks below. It seemed that the bird that was moving back to accompany the next wave of birds was a sort of route marshal, ensuring they all came over the right spot to catch the thermals. I do not exaggerate when I say that we watched this amazing sight, bird after bird acting as marshals for the next grouping, for over ¾ hour. It was awesome, in the true sense of the word, an unforgettable experience and very moving. I say ‘moving’ because it was hard not to choke up at being part of such a timeless moment. There are occasions when being a birder makes you feel part of something bigger, something almost eternal. Sandhill Crane migration is one of those times.

Close-up of a Sandhill Crane adult.

So keep your ears tuned for that bugling croak in the fall sky, harsher and more primeval than the honking of geese. Be sure to look up! And you too might be lucky enough to see Sandhill Cranes on the move.

Pam Laing

Okanagan birder