Birds Of A Feather: Courting Cranes Traditional Cache

The Birds Of A Feather series highlights the unique birdlife and avian habitat of the local area. We’ve seen all these birds at or near the cache sites and hope that in your geocaching, you too will see these wonderful winged creatures. And do take the time to enjoy the amazing dike system and mountain views as well.

photo by David Allegeier

The Greater Sandhill Crane is a majestic, heron-like bird with a distinctive red cap. Unfortunately, it’s on the Provincial Blue List for species at risk. Before European arrival, the local First Nations people reported large flocks of these birds in the area. Now due to many factors, there is believed to be only 10 birds left in the Pitt Polder area. Last year, on the same day we found our first geocache--by accident, we sighted 8 of these birds on farmland along Neaves Road. It was the most number of cranes we had ever seen at one time.

In this area, before it was a blueberry field, we saw the unique crane courtship ritual. “The Sandhill Crane is well known for its elaborate and energetic dancing and its distinctive calls. The dance is done by two cranes together – one male, one female – with equal energy and vocalizations from both cranes. The dance starts with deep bows by both cranes. The male crane throws back his head onto his body and gives a deep call. The female then puts her head back about 45 degrees and make a higher-pitched call or two. Both cranes then perform leaps into the air, run and jump, skip and flap their wings, bow, and toss sticks or grass, all the while calling out to each other. This goes on for several minutes at a time.”

You can park at the end of Park Lane and access small trail head next to gate on the east side.

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FTF: 32FR & TSSR
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