One of my birding stops today gave nice views of 15 Sandhill Cranes present along the Bark River in Delafield Waukesha County. Two Sandhill Crane colts were in the flock. With the cold temperatures like today at 19 degrees they don’t do much other than get a few things to eat on occasion in the river, some preening and just standing around conserving energy. A Great Blue Heron was also present. The heron did not move at all when I was there, thinking it was just taking it easy like the cranes. The Sandhill Cranes hangout at this location into winter as the river does not freeze till later if it does at all. Today was sunny skies, a little wind and temps around 19 degrees. Images were taken on December 7, 2025.
Sandhill Cranes, and adult left, colt right…
A colt finding something to eat maybe…
Sandhill Cranes…
Colt with something in the bill…
Looking for something to eat I would assume…
4 of the 15 Sandhill Cranes present, adults…
Colt…
Missed something here…
Just got a drink…
I have not been out. Find it hard to believe the the Cranes are still around. However, outstanding photos Jim
Dennis , the Winter changed pretty abruptly and there are still a lot of cranes in the State.
Yesterday, while driving back from La Crosse on Interstate 90/94 near Baraboo, we saw what seemed like hundreds of Sandhills.
Nice find and photo captures Jim.