Nature's annual blessed event....

I think it is time for me to do another "coffee table" bird book.  However, this time it will be about the Sand Hill Crane's, their mating period, nesting and the early raising of their off spring or chicks.  

I am very fortunate to have an annual ring side seat to all of this. 
We see it every year!  This year we had beautiful weather and I am wiser to the habits of these magnificent creatures.  I knew their comings and goings, they knew me! It was a mutual respectful relationship.

Below is only a sample of twenty-eight or twenty-nine days of photographs.  Multiply these photos 40 times and you will know why I want to do a book.   I  have plenty of  material..  Enjoy!!!  

Always remember you can click your mouse on any image and it will enlarge for better viewing.    

This is a story about a man and his friend and neighbor, Mr. Sand Hill...

These two have been neighbors for nearly five years. They, their spouses, know and visit each other almost on a daily basis.  

Take a look.......

Spring time is around the corner and its time to expand the family.
Lets get the house in order.

Soon after we have one egg and its time for  the Dad to come home and see what Mom has done.

Dad comes home.....

Dad says, I think you have more work to do...

The next day we have two eggs...............

   Dad fly's off again ............

Mom sits home during the rain.....

Dad comes home at the end of the day......

and takes his turn on the nest, Mom does house cleaning...

Then, she flys off to visit neighbors....

Other days, neighbors fly in to visit.........

And, I am introduced......

A little bit more house clearing, since the big day is almost here..

28 days after each egg was laid, we have two baby chicks.....

Welcome !!!!!

jpk 3/3/13