Dec 27 2011
Sandhill Cranes in Pennsylvania
Now that you know how to recognize cranes (see the crane quiz), here’s a Game Commission video about the sandhill crane population in Pennsylvania with some really cute footage of a baby crane being banded.
(video from the Pennsylvania Game Commission)
I think my cute-o-meter just had a meltdown …….. BLAAAUUUGGHH!!! (passes out from cuteness)
I also wonder how long before we see them in SW Pa … the Blue Herons have moved back in … I guess it’s just a matter of time
I just recently found out through an acquaintance that Sandhills have been nesting near Dushore, PA. I’ve seen them out West, but had no idea they could be found in the East. A new horizon, just like the Bald Eagles in the Susquehanna River area that can be viewed fishing and raising their young.
When do the Sandhill cranes usually arrive in PA?
I’m not sure about the sandhills’ return date because a few are seen in northwestern PA throughout the winter. 23 were in Crawford County in late December. Another was seen near Linesville on Feb 9. Use the search box on this website to find species in PA. http://birding.aba.org/maillist/PA01
Have we ever seen any around East Central PA, near Blue Marsh Lake, or in Berks County at any time ?
Brian, in Pennsylvania, sandhill cranes are mostly reported in the western part of the state though in small numbers. One crane has been a winter regular at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area (Lebanon/Lancaster Counties), a few stop by Wyoming County in March and one was seen recently at Green Pond in Northampton County. They are very rare in eastern PA though during migration (late March, early April) a few may be found almost anywhere in their preferred habitat.
Check ebird.org for sightings. Click on Explore Data > Range and Point Maps > enter “Sandhill Crane” for the species and zoom in.