To the Editor:
Anyone who has spent any time in The Villages has noticed the Sandhill Cranes on golf courses, lawns and alongside roadways. Central Florida is one of the few places that have a year-round population of these beautiful birds. Sandhill Cranes have red foreheads, white cheeks and long, dark, pointed bills. Their legs and feet are black and they stand 3 and 4 feet tall. Juveniles lack the red forehead and are smaller than the adults. Males and females look very similar except that the female is slightly smaller than the male. Sandhill Cranes are fairly social birds that usually live in pairs or family groups through the year. The male and female “mate for life” and will always be seen together.
Unlike most birds, they do not scurry across our roadways or attempt to fly as a vehicle approaches. Rather, they lumber along without a care in the world. We need to be aware that these birds are not interested in getting out of your way as they cross streets so it’s up to driver
Denis Dzurinko
Village of Charlotte
