|
 Few
wildlife wonders can match the spectacle of several thousand sand
hill cranes wheeling through the sky as they descend near Bellevue,
Michigan. During the second weekend of October, Baker
Sanctuary is host to these magnificent birds.
2006 Official Crane Count – 5,948
The official USF&WS crane count at Baker Sanctuary this year was
completed on Friday, November 3. The temperature was in the upper
30s, but there was little wind. Six counters tallied 5,948 cranes —
the second largest gathering ever recorded in Michigan. The count
started about 2:30 PM and was completed by 6:00 PM. In 2005 a state
record 6,754 Sandhill Cranes were counted.
Cranes are tall, stately birds with a heavy body, long neck and long
legs. Standing four to five feet high and possessing a wing span of
six to seven feet, Sandhill Cranes are Michigan's largest bird.
Long, skinny legs and neck give a false impression of size; the
males weigh an average of about 12 pounds and the females around
9-1/2 pounds. Except for this size difference, both sexes look
alike. |
Baker Sanctuary is just south of the Terrific Town of Bellevue,
Michigan
The Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) is one of only 15 species
of cranes in the world and is one of just two crane species
native to North America. While the Whooping Crane, our other
native crane, is highly endangered and restricted to only a few
areas of the West, the Sandhill is more widespread and in most
areas is more abundant. Once nearly eliminated from Michigan,
Sandhill Cranes have made a comeback and now are becoming one of
the state's most popular watch-able wildlife species.
Learn more about this area at
www.michiganbackroads.com and
www.bellevuemi.net
Bellevue is home to the Sandhill Crane Festival that is held the
2nd weekend in October. |
