Sandhill Cranes

Seen today at Heritage Harbor Park in Bradenton, Florida. Sandhill Cranes are my favorite of the large birds we see here. They are about 4 ft tall with a 6-1/2 foot wingspan and have the most interesting call, kind like a rolling trumpet. You can listen here if you like! There are more facts and photos there too. 

I've put an additional photo of them feeding on the bank of the lake in the extras. These two are non-migratory “Florida” Sandhill Cranes. There's also a “Lesser” Sandhill Crane that breeds in the Arctic. They are the smallest; the largest are the “Greater” Sandhill Crane, that breeds in the northern U.S.