From courtship to calls: The fascinating world of Utah’s Sandhill Cranes

Sandhill Cranes walking in the snow in Summit County. Photo: Mike Flaherty

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — The Swaner Preserve, a protected area known for its diverse wildlife, has a substantial Sandhill Crane population, with estimates suggesting around seven breeding pairs currently residing within its boundaries. This number, according to local conservationists, may even be on the conservative side. But what makes these birds so unique outside of their coloring and physical appearance? Swaner Preserve conservationist, Rhea Cone, shares some of the traits that make Sandhill Cranes an interesting bird to watch.

Familial migration patterns 

Spring migration brings a unique dynamic to the preserve, as juvenile Sandhill Cranes return with their parents. However, through a natural process these juveniles are eventually driven off by their parents to establish their own territories, a critical step for their survival and independence.

Lifelong partnerships

Sandhill Cranes are recognized for their lifetime mating patterns, engaging in complex dances and rituals that are crucial for pair bonding. These behaviors include a series of jumps, bows, and stick tossing, which, beyond their beauty, serve a functional role in the cranes’ life cycle.

Call of the wild

An important communication tool for these cranes is their unison call, a loud, resonating sound that can be heard up to 2.5 miles away. This call is not just a means of communication but also a mechanism for territory defense and pair bonding. The cranes’ unique physiological features, such as an elongated and coiled trachea, enable them to produce these distinctive sounds, which vary in frequency and intensity.

Maintaining the Sandhill Crane existence in Summit County

The Preserve is urging visitors and locals to refrain from feeding wildlife, including the Sandhill Cranes. Despite their omnivorous diet, feeding by humans can lead to malnutrition and dependency issues, disrupting their natural feeding habits. Such interactions can also lead to aggressive behavior from the cranes, posing risks to both humans and the birds themselves.

Conservation efforts at the Swaner Preserve aim to maintain a safe and natural environment for the Sandhill Cranes and other wildlife. By observing these majestic birds from a distance and respecting their natural habitats, visitors can contribute to their preservation and enjoy their presence without causing harm.

To learn more about Sandhill Cranes, visit the Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter. The Preserve also has a live webcam for those wanting to keep connected from afar.