I’ll never tire of watching the cranes that overwinter at Morning Bray Farm.
I just recently learned that their normal life span is about 25 years.
Chances are, then, that we’ll see the same pairs back here year after year.
They’re monogamous and mate for life.
This pair seems quite happy together.
Yesterday was the first time I saw one preening another. Interesting.
And check out the legs. I mean, I knew, but still… surprising to actually see.
This attentiveness looks like love to me.
In the next few days and weeks, our cranes will fly to their nesting grounds in the northern regions of North America or even as far as north eastern Siberia. We’ll see them back here again in October. ♥
Morning Bray Farm 
March 2, 2011 at 4:23 am
For some reason I find it so touching to hear of animals and birds mating “for life.”
Wonderful pictures . . . they do seem to show lots of tender emotion.
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March 2, 2011 at 5:00 am
We are definitely looking forward to them coming back to WI this year! ~ Thanks for the reminder. 🙂
I just realized daylight savings time is March 13! Then it really starts to feel like winter is finally coming to an end and spring is in sight.
Sigh. Can’t. Wait. For. Spring.
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March 2, 2011 at 5:44 am
How excellent, to get to watch them all winter!
Great set of shots! Looks like love to me, too.
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March 2, 2011 at 6:01 am
they are a lovely couple! seeing those knees bend backwards is so weird. beautiful pictures!
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March 2, 2011 at 6:28 am
Justina, you’ve photographed these couple of crane very well! They are beautiful and elegant! Great info about them too. I’ve never seen one in person. Thanks for sharing.
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March 2, 2011 at 7:25 am
I love the post!
You’re so very lucky to have them around. Thanks for sharing them.
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March 2, 2011 at 7:33 am
Oh you’re so lucky to have them on your property. Harland and I are going up to Nebraska to sit in a blind on the Platte this weekend in hopes of getting some good pics. Can’t wait.
Suzanne
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March 2, 2011 at 7:36 am
Great pictures.
Thanks
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March 2, 2011 at 7:40 am
How pretty! The preening is so loving – Honey, you have a feather out of place. Let me fix it for you.
How interesting that they are monogamous and that they may be the same pairs at your place year after year. What fun!
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March 2, 2011 at 8:06 am
oh my – that shot of their legs folding up like that is *crazy*! Wonderful shots, with a lovely story.
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March 2, 2011 at 8:14 am
Great photos! They really are such elegant looking birds…although the first photo is comical. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
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March 2, 2011 at 9:09 am
I’m always touched by the commitment of animals. I hope their journeys are smooth and filled with lots of rest stops like Morningbray, along the way.
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March 2, 2011 at 11:03 am
Delightful ! Do you know who’s grooming who ? Bet it’s the Hus-bird trying to stay on his Wifey-bird’s good side.
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March 2, 2011 at 8:51 pm
gazelle,
I actually tried to figure that out as I was putting this post together. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find anything about who’s bigger… the Hus-bird or the Wifey-bird.
I’m sure you’re right. 🙂
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March 2, 2011 at 1:27 pm
This is a true love story! So nice!
I also always think the knee is back to front 🙂
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March 2, 2011 at 3:32 pm
Wait! You mean, their legs bend backwards? I never knew!!! Thanks for educating me – an the pictures are fabulous. I thought only Ferengi females had backwards-bending knees!! (Yeah, I’m a Star Trek nerd.)
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March 4, 2011 at 4:43 pm
Some of the come home – to Wisconsin.
I will be glad to see them.
New chicks on their way .
Sad they will not stay
Too soon they will go ~
back to you.
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March 4, 2011 at 6:36 pm
kay lee,
Why, how beautifully written! 🙂
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