Sandhill Cranes Migrating

Sandhill Cranes at Tantramar 

Sandhill Crane

In late September and into October a group of 7 Sandhill Cranes (Grus canadensis) stopped over at Tantramar Marsh during their migration.  The sightings of Sandhill Cranes in New Brunswick have increased gradually over the last 30 years usually in the spring and fall.  The birds are usually on their migrations from breeding grounds in the north to their wintering areas in the south (or return).  Sandhill Cranes breed from Siberia and Alaska across the far north to Hudson Bay and western Ontario.  They spend their winters in California and from Arizona to Florida; also Mexico and the Caribbean Islands.  Some are permanent residents of Florida.  The birds we see here are probably coming from their nesting areas on Baffin Island or northern Quebec.  The Tantramar is a good stopover site because of its good feeding potential.  Its wide open areas also offer good visibility and thus good safety for the birds.

The first documented record of this species was from Nauwigewauk in September, 1984.  There were also two previous sight records from 1973 and 1981.  There have been no breeding records from NB but one pair spent part of a summer at Havelock.  A single bird also spent most of a summer in the Shediac area.  

Sandhill Crane

There are two forms of the Sandhill Crane recognized, the Greater and the Lesser.  The Greater is 117 cm/46" tall and is the species of central Canada and westward.  The Lesser is 104 cm/41" tall and is often found in the east.  There is an intermediate form which is found in the mid-continent area. 

There is only one species of crane that is likely to be seen here, although any crane found here is rare.  Another crane species found in North America is the Whooping Crane.  This species came close to extinction in the mid-1900s but is very slowly recovering due to great work done by recovery programs in the US.  A Whooping Crane has never been seen in New Brunswick.  There is another crane species that could be seen here but never has been, the Common Crane from Europe.  There is usually about one sighting per year of a Common Crane in North America, usually with flocks of Sandhill Cranes.  We should always look for this species when we see Sandhill Cranes.  Common Cranes are always gray and their plumage is never brown-stained.  The adult is black-necked with a white nape.  

Sandhill Cranes Flying [Kathy Ferdinand Illsley Photo]

Sandhill Cranes perform elaborate dances both for courtship and mate bonding.  These dances are accompanied by elaborate, complex duets.  It would be interesting to hear their bugling and rattling turned into a singing duet.  

The top two photos in this blog were taken by me from various cranes visiting New Brunswick.  I especially like the photo of the seven flying cranes which recently visited Tantramar and is presented here by permission.  For more information on the Sandhill Crane, use the 'Search' feature on this blog.