Sand hill cranes are large birds. A full-grown one measures four feet from the tip of its sharp beak to the end of its tail feathers. Wings on most of them are huge, and a pair outstretched will be six feet across. Their long, spindly legs make them about three feet tall.
More than a million of them migrate from Florida, Texas and Mexico, traveling north to Canada, Alaska or Hudson Bay areas each spring and back south in the fall. They have rest stops on these long flights at such places as the Platte River in Nebraska. Bird watchers travel great distances to watch them come in and rest before resuming their journey.
Other places, many of them arranged by wildlife groups and others, are located at Willapa Bay in Washington, Chesapeake Bay in Delaware, Soda Lake in California and numerous other rest spots across the United States. In spite of their great numbers, it is often difficult to see individual groups after they settle down in the grass or brush in which they are well camouflaged.
There are several species of cranes in North America, but only the sandhill crane is completely gray. Some have a tan or rust coloring, thought to be a result of rust in the water. Other identifying marks are its bald, bright-red forehead and its black legs and beak.
It is interesting to see these birds take to the air from the ground. They begin by running, faster and faster. Finally, legs pushing hard against the ground and wings flapping strongly, they slowly rise and finally are in the air where they can make better time. They immediately give a call of triumph with a deep “kroo kroo” as though saying, “I told you I could do it!”
They are not fast fliers but make an impressive sight as their wing motion is a smart jerk or flap of the wings above the body level. While this is going on, their long, thin necks are fully extended, straight as an arrow, matched by their legs held closely together and stretching out behind. It makes an impressive sight.
In the beginning Bible verse we are told that the Lord wants us to remember that He is the Creator and cares for all His creation. In Psalm 20:5,75We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the Lord fulfil all thy petitions. (Psalm 20:5)
7Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. (Psalm 20:7) David declares: “We will rejoice in Thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners. . . . Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” Have you put your trust in Him?
(to be continued)
MAY 1, 1994
“I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto Me; for I have redeemed thee.”
Isaiah 44:2222I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee. (Isaiah 44:22)
ML-05/01/1994