There is an update to the Sandhill Crane predicament. I have been seeing the two birds in the wetland next to my house this afternoon. Below is that little writeup you requested.
Sadly, a Sun City male Sandhill Crane had broken its wing over the summer months and still appears to not be able to fly. Normally this species of bird begins its migration to our Southwestern states of New Mexico, Arizona, Texas and as far south as Mexico between late October and mid-December.
Over the summer, Sun City resident and My Sun Day News Photographer Tony Pratt discovered a pair of sandhill cranes in the wetlands next to his house, the male of the pair with a broken wing. Unable to fly, the duo, which mate together, cannot leave the area for migration. (Photo by Tony Pratt/My Sun Day News)
The mate of the injured bird is staying with him and will not migrate without him.
Several organizations have been contacted for possible assistance in capturing and caring of this pair. One possibility is a group called ‘Chicago Bird Collision Monitor.’ Their representative on a recent phone call stated that she is going to attempt to assemble a group of volunteers to capture the birds. The representative was not absolutely sure this rescue will take place.
Another possible rescue effort could come from ’The Fox Valley Wildlife Center/Anderson Animal Shelter.’ These two organizations have a sub group called ‘Wildlife Allies’ which maybe be capable of the bird capture.
Currently the birds can be spotted at the end of Mesa Court in Huntley. This location is a cul-di-sac adjacent to the wetland the birds currently occupy. Less frequently the birds can be seen walking the gas pipeline passing through neighborhood 30 which is connected to the wetland.
If you would be interested in participating in a rescue attempt or have a possible solution you can contact Tony Pratt at 630-533-1359.
