Large flocks of ‘Fall’ migrating Sandhill Cranes are no longer just using the farm fields of middle GA as a stopover, some are staying for the winter.
Historically, eastern Sandhill Cranes fly to the Florida prairies for the winter. One exception is a population that winters near the Okefenokee Swamp & the Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area near Valdosta in deep south central GA just east of their ‘I-75 flyway’ (it has been suggested, but not proven, that Florida bound flocks use I-75 to navigate like their cousins use large rivers).
But in recent years there are flocks that linger longer and some even overwinter in the middle part of Georgia, particularly in the dairy farm region around Montezuma, Georgia (just west of I-75). These birds appear to be following a trend, like Roseate Spoonbills, Black-billed Whistling Ducks, & Limpkins, of FL birds expanding their northern wintering range into Georgia.
Research into why this is happening is underway. Two hypotheses of why are, the rapid development of the prairies, especially in north central FL, is eliminating suitable habitat and the climate warming trend is increasing the northern boundary of food availability during the winter months.
The cranes flew over our house several times but I was never there to hear them -disappointed ! For Valentine a grand daughter adopted in my name an injured , partially blind red -tailed hawk named Rowan ,my maiden name . He was cared for till recovery at Caring For Critters in Waynesboro ,VA . I feel very special . Valentine greetings to you and Ann ,June Bishop
What a neat Valentine gift. I hope you get to hear the cranes on their way back north. Some should be on their way in a couple of weeks. Happy birding, Steve