The Sandhill Crane has one of the longest fossil
histories of any bird, dating back some 2.5 million
years. This is almost double the history of most
current bird species.
In late February, Sandhill Cranes that winter
in Mexico, Texas and New Mexico begin to arrive
in Nebraska as they migrate north to their breeding
grounds in Canada and the Arctic.
During the day, they feed in fields surrounding the
Platte River. In the evening, they seek the shallows
of the Platte to roost for the night.
This migratory stopover serves some 500,000 Sandhill
Cranes each year. They are a spectacular sight to behold!
Out of My Write Mind 
I never thought about ancient species. Nice idea Sandy.
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Thanks, David.
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Interesting post. Your second photo is a beauty!
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Glad you enjoyed it, Belinda!
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Great take on the prompt. The Sandhill Cranes used to rest in some fields near where I lived eons ago. It was always a wonderful sight.
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The sheer numbers are incredible and seeing them take flight.
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I love these birds. I see them in Florida in the winter.But they are not around where we live in Ontario. I am fascinated to know about their ancient history. Remarkable!
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Yes, it’s amazing how long they have existed. They have been able to adapt to changes in habitat, climate, etc. and still thrive.
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Wonderful photos. Several years ago a group of sandhill cranes came over central Arkansas ans circled over our area. I took several pictures of them – it was so exciting. Have never seen them in our area again. They are beautiful birds.
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They are special, and quite impressive in large numbers!
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There are so many of them… great take on the prompt! Beautiful!
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Yes, they fill the sky!
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Amazing to see so many cranes Sandy, the last image tells such a lovely story 💜
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Thanks, Xenia! Being there at dusk when they fly in by the thousands is incredible…quite the chatter to go along with the flapping wings!
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Wow, didn’t know they were so ancient. They are survivors!
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Definitely!
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That is a sight I would love to see Sandy 🙂
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It is incredible! Maybe add it to your bucket list.
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I’d have to buy a bucket first 😀
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I wasnt there at the site, its still stops me breathing, so spectacular.
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It’s a sight I will never forget!
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