Sandhill Crane End Week Four

Sandhill Crane I can fly (almost). The juvenile is doing a lot more wing exercises, running and flapping.

Sandhill Crane While the juvenile waves its wings around, the parent watchfully walks alongside.

Sandhill Crane The juvenile is becoming much more alert to everything, including every bird that flies overhead.

Sandhill Crane More often than not, the juvenile goes into the lead, with the parents attentively following along.

Sandhill Crane Showing enthusiasm for everything.

Sandhill Crane It wanders off into the tall grass as the parents continue walking on, until they realize the detour.

Sandhill Crane One immediately returns to stand guard while the juvenile busies itself in the search for food.

Sandhill Crane As the parent forces its way through the flowers and grass, one stalk pushes the juvenile lower and lower until it steps free.

Sandhill Crane That threat past, the juvenile needs to study the surroundings in case there are more threats.

Sandhill Crane The parents still offer small morsels to eat.

Sandhill Crane And the juvenile gladly accepts the food.

Sandhill Crane The visible flight feathers are developing at an amazing rate. Lift off in very few weeks.

Sandhill Crane Unknown thoughts shuffle about its head as it learns the strange world.

Sandhill Crane With their similar poses, the rapid growth of the juvenile is clear to see when right next to an adult.

Sandhill Crane The juvenile has learned the fine art of spearing the muddy ground for hidden food.

Sandhill Crane And off for another pre-flight check out.

Sandhill Crane All gyrations are good in developing the flight muscles, and balance.

Sandhill Crane Running is part of it since that can be part of gaining speed for the take-off.

Sandhill Crane The family wanders on together, wary of passing dogs attached to passing people.

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