She Married a Bird Brain

Sandhill Cranes are somewhat of rare sighting in Florida. The specie’s population is not currently listed on the Endangered Species List, however these birds are protected by the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act and in the state of Florida the Sandhill Crane population is considered threatened.

It’s an absolutely wonderful bird that is said to bring good fortune to couples that spot them; especially when a bride and groom are visited by a pair of Sandhill Cranes on their wedding day. This is because the Sandhill Crane is a monogamous partner. Once they find a mate, they never leave that mate until death do they part. This is one of the reasons their population is so protected by Florida regulations. If one dies prematurely, there’s very little hope that it’s mate will ever again reproduce with another. So the death of just one paired Sandhill Crane leads to a loss of multiple generations of this beautiful bird.

This isn’t the first time I’ve seen these two this season. Hopefully they stick around the area and I can get more snaps of them throughout the winter. I do think Jed and Rose Ellen would be good names for them.

Y’all come back now, ya hear!

Fuji X-T3, Vivitar 500/1000mm @ 1000mm, 1/160″, F10, ISO 6400