I saw another amazing birding event today in Delafield in Waukesha County. Sandhill Cranes painting themselves by preening mud on and into their feathers. They are known to do this to change their colors to blend in more with their surroundings at nesting time. It is said that iron oxide in the mud is a form of dye, they also said they turn gray again after they molt before migrating in the fall, makes perfect sense. Totally amazing to watch so I had to share some of this excitement with others. After painting, they walked to a nearby puddle and found a couple of things to eat. It was a nice sunny day with no wind and mild temps around 35. Images were taken on March 5, 2023.
The Sandhill Cranes paintbrush…
The artists…
As I watched from a safe distance both Sandhill Cranes painted away…
Once in awhile they would dip their brushes into the little standing water/mud next to them for more mud for painting…
Getting the job done…
Talk about a natural piece of art…
More painting…
And more painting…
Trying to do the complete job…
They finished…and walked to a nearby puddle…
Poking in the mud, they find things to eat…
Something in the bill…
