Watching a family of sandhill cranes is a gift

I've become captivated by a family of sandhill cranes. First thing in the morning, I reach for the binoculars to see if I can locate their whereabouts.  By Sherry Boas (Orlando Sentinel) 

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/lake/os-lk-sherry-boas-042913-20130429,0,7276617.column

Why do ‘single’ birds dance?

“Mesmerizing and with a little bit of mystery about it."  That is how aviculturist Amy King describes the graceful leaping, bowing, running, spinning and grass-tossing of dancing cranes.  By Jeremy Coles (BBC Nature).

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/21944173

Unfeathered friends flock together

As an icy nightfall wind whipped across Miyun reservoir, a White-naped Crane raised its wings with a lazy flap, almost like a yawn, before rising into the air.

http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2013-04/05/content_16377240.htm

Rare bird gets peg leg after losing limb in golf accident

A sandhill crane, a rare sight in the Lower Mainland, is standing up again after losing a leg in an accident at a Richmond, British Columbia, golf course.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2013/03/24/bc-sandhill-crane-prosthetic-leg.html