“The works of the Lord are great.... He hath made His wonderful works to be remembered.” Psalm 111:2,4
Sandhill cranes are large birds. A full-grown one measures four feet from the tip of its sharp beak to the end of its tail feathers. Wings on most of them are huge, and a pair outstretched will be six feet across. Their long spindly legs make them about three feet tall. More than a million of these majestic birds migrate from Florida, Texas and Mexico, traveling north to their breeding grounds in Canada and the northern states west of the Great Lakes each spring and then back south in the fall. They have rest stops on these long flights at such places as the Platte River in Nebraska. Bird watchers travel great distances to watch them come in and rest before resuming their journey.
Other places, many of them arranged by wildlife conservation groups, are located at Willapa Bay in Washington, Chesapeake Bay in Delaware, Soda Lake in California and numerous other rest spots across the United States. In spite of their great numbers, it is often difficult to see individual groups of cranes after they settle down in the grass or brush in which they are well camouflaged.
There are several species of cranes in North America, but only the sandhill crane is completely gray. Some have a tan or rust coloring, thought possibly to be a result of rust in the water. Other identifying marks are its bright-red crown and its black legs and beak.
It is interesting to see these birds take to the air from the ground. They begin by running faster and faster. Finally, legs pushing hard against the ground and wings flapping strongly, they slowly rise and finally are in the air where they can make better time. They immediately give a call of triumph with a deep “gar-oo-oo, gar-oo-oo.” When flying, this call can be heard for more than a mile.
Migrating flocks fly at great heights, sometimes too high to be seen from the ground. They usually fly on cloudless days and sometimes can be seen circling higher on the thermal wind currents. It is not unusual to hear their calls before sighting them. While flying, their thin necks and legs are fully extended, like all cranes. They make an impressive sight.
In the beginning Bible verse we are told that the Lord wants us to remember that He is the Creator and cares for all His creation. In Psalm 20:5,7 David declares: “We will rejoice in Thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners.... Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” Have you put your trust in Him?
(to be continued)
ML-06/01/2008