I saw a first today in the Southern Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County. Sandhill Cranes painting themselves by preening mud into their feathers. They are known to do this to change their colors to blend in more with their surroundings. It was said by a friend of mine 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. Images were taken on February 22, 2017.
The pair, preening and painting themselves with mud to change their colors
Getting the mud……look at the paint
Painting and preening
Getting the mud
Painting and preening
Painting and preening
Painting and preening….when doing their backs and even in other places, their large bill is rolling back and forth, in and out…at a pretty good speed
Painting and preening
Painting and preening
Painting and preening
Painting and preening away…
Painting and preening
Painting and preening
Getting more mud…
The pair
Look at the paint!
Painting and preening away…
Look at that paint job!
As always, excellent pics. The best so far this season. Always enjoy your photos.
Wow, fantastic series! So, their summer brown isn’t a morph, or does the’paint’ just long enough until they do change plumage?
.. just last as long.
Great photos. I heard that they did this but never really believed it.
lovely
This is right place/right time amazing! Thanks very much for sharing.
Beautiful shots of artsy birds.
Loved this series of photos
I’m glad to learn this. Fantastic photos, thank you.
Absolutely amazing photos, Jim!
Thanks for sharing. I didn’t know they did that. Your photos are very good. God’s creation is amazing!!
In the early spring, as sandhill cranes are migrating to their breeding grounds, single cranes will start pairing up. A sandhill crane pair performs unison calling to create a bond.