Sandhill Crane

A genus (Grus canadensis) we don’t get much here in upper east Tennessee is crane, neither the whooping crane nor the Sandhill crane. Sandhill crane have been seen here once in a while but with no regular sightings. They congregate over winter not far from here, at Hiwassee Refuge about 40 miles north of Chattanooga where the Hiwassee River and the Tennessee River meet in the big middle of Lake Chickamauga. This gathering is in the 20,000 population range, give or take a thousand.

We are probably near the most south-easterly edge of the breeding grounds. The migration is west of north away from here so the few see got lost.

The huge flock is a delight to see. The crane are noisy, busy, and beautiful. However, you have to get there at the right time. By late February they’re gone. Headed north. You’ll have to wait until next year.
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