At the shopping center

Yes, Sandhill Cranes walking in the parking lot of a shopping center! 

I had just parked my car to go to Pilates when I heard the call of Sandhill Cranes. It is very distinctive, have a listen here. That link goes to a 30 sec video I made 8 years ago when two Sandhill Cranes were walking down our street and calling quite loudly! 

They are one of my favorite birds. So tall and elegant. I love their call. 
An interesting fact: The earliest Sandhill Crane fossil, estimated to be 2.5 million years old, was unearthed in the Macasphalt Shell Pit in Florida.  

I have a close-up of one as the main photo in a previous blip, when we saw two on a walk in September, 2024. And, there is an extra photo of two together from today; there was a total of three of them outside of Fresh Market! I hope you enjoy.