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ATTENTIVE PARENTS
The colts were never far away, whether touched
by the parents' beaks or found within encom-
passing adult legs. The crane adults were forever
attentive, rarely leaving the colts to their own
devices. The protective adults always pecked near
their children with unceasing vigilance.
FEEDING BEHAVIOR
Feeding two colts was a constant chore for both adults. Crickets,
worms, a variety of insects, and even baby mice were on the meat
menu. But when cleaning up the nest, shell shards were offered to
the youngsters. Though less juicy and more crunchy, they added
calcium to the colts' diet.
THE COMFORT OF HOME
It was a strenuous ascent onto the mounds of downy feathers to
reach the comfort of home. Every now and then, there were tumultu-
ous moments of tumbling. On long wrinkle-skinned legs that were
steadily becoming stronger, the top meant a warm domicile as the
colt snuggled within the adult's hearth.
T H E C O M F O RT O F H O M E
F E E D I N G B E H A V I O R
AT T E N T I V E PA R E N T S
Watch baby
Sandhill Cranes
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