2 days ago
Family of sandhill cranes spotted in Plainfield
PLAINFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A family of sandhill cranes was caught on camera in Plainfield, a species of bird in Massachusetts that is of high conservation need.
Ticks becoming more active as weather heats up
22News received this photo of a group of sandhill cranes, including two chicks, from viewer Michael Carenzo of Easthampton. The birds were seen walking together in Plainfield on Friday.
The sandhill crane is a large wading bird known for its loud, rattling calls and elaborate courtship dances. Males and females both stand at approximately 3.3 feet tall, with a wingspan of approximately 6.5 feet. These birds mate for life and are found in New England, the upper Midwest, Canada, Alaska, and isolated populations in the western United States.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, the sandhill crane population saw a severe decrease in the early 20th century due to unregulated hunting and loss and degradation of their wetland habitats. The cranes had a significant resurgence as wetland protection legislation was filed and the North American Breeding Bird Atlas was established in 1966. They are considered a Species of Greatest Conservation Need.
These cranes spend the winter in the southern U.S. or northern Mexico, with many returning to breeding areas in Massachusetts in late March or early April. Sandhill crane chicks remain with their family through late fall migration, and typically become independent after their first spring migration.
Threats to the species include human disturbance around nest sites, loss and degradation of nesting habitat, and collisions with artificial structures. They are also vulnerable to diseases including the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu.
MassWildlife states that it is important not to disturb nesting sites and habitats to continue seeing the increase in population of sandhill cranes, with the hope that protecting these grounds can support the full annual cycle conservation of the species.
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