SANDHILL CRANES

 

 

These two were grazing in the vacant lot adjacent to our home. Usually, we see them in the spring when they are flying back north to breed. Their movements and head-forward bobbing reminded me of the Jurassic Park velociraptors and indeed, the Sandhill's lineage is very old. And if you have ever heard them call, it sounds unearthly. At least, not of this earth for a few million years.

 

If you look closely at the right crane, you'll see a bit of red by the eye. They kept moving and always had some good distance away from me. A close-up photo from the internet: