D I S T I N C T L Y M O N T A N A M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 2 0
18
PROTECTING THE EGGS
Sitting in the middle of the pond, rife with cut cattails, the exposed
sandhill crane nest was constantly guarded by the alert adult cranes
who took turns nesting on two eggs. A redtail hawk flew from above,
scoping the scene for prey material. Canada geese maneuvered a
landing on the pond. In hot pursuit, the adult crane immediately
chased the geese away with tenacious running skill, giant wings flap-
ping, and outstretched neck and beak, ready to defend her protected
habitat.
FIRST BORN
The protecting adult cranes gave all their attention to the first
born who flourished for twenty-four hours, having the nest and food
for itself by being the only colt (a crane chick is a colt).
SECOND BORN ARRIVES
Not as coordinated as colt number one, the second colt flails with
pink, ungainly legs as it takes an unbalanced tumble into the world.
For over a day, sibling rivalry came to the forefront with big brother
continually harassing his sibling. Parents were finding it tough to
feed both, but after a day and a half of sibling battle, the two colts
became best buddies.
LEAVING THE NEST
Within a few hours of the second birth, the adult cranes lured their
babes into the water. They swam like it was an innate, lifelong adven-
ture. Effortlessly, they manipulated their fluffy little bodies between
the "forest" of cattails.
P ROT E C T I N G T H E E G G S
F I R S T B O R N
S E C O N D B O R N A R R I V E S
L E A V I N G T H E N E S T
WITHIN A FEW HOURS OF THE SECOND BIRTH,
THE ADULT CRANES LURED THEIR BABES
INTO THE WATER. THEY SWAM LIKE IT
WAS AN INNATE, LIFELONG ADVENTURE.
