The Sandhill Crane is a large crane though not as large as the much rarer Whooping Crane. It winters in much of the Western United States and summers in most of Canada. This crane frequently gives a loud trumpeting call that can be heard from a long distance. The Sandhill Crane's wingspan is 77 inches making it easy to soar (like eagles). It utilizes thermals to obtain lift and can stay aloft for many hours, requiring only an occasional flapping of their wings. Large wintering populations can be found in many parts of the Western US. I have seen 10,000 or more near Othello Washington; 10,000 or more at Bosque del Apache, New Mexico, and 25,000 at Whitewater Draw in Arizona. Many of the towns "hosting" these large quantities of cranes have festivals celebrating their presence each year.
Sandhill Crane
photo taken near Othello, Central Washington
Sandhill Crane
photo taken at Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Sandhill Crane
photo taken at Bosque del Apache, New Mexico
Sandhill Crane
photo taken at Whitewater Draw, Arizona
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