Ruby Sisson Library

Follow the migration of the Greater Sandhill Cranes from their nesting area in the Greater Yellowstone Basin to the vast San Luis Valley in South Central Colorado where they stage in the spring. In the fall, thousands of cranes filter into the valley where their courtship displays of dancing, hopping and bowing can be seen. Winter brings the cranes to Bosque del Apache where they wait through the long winter before heading back to their eternal...

Our fascination with the Whoopers and the sandhills partially results from their loud vocalizations and elaborate courtship rituals which help strengthen pair bonds. Courtship behavior consists of calling, wing flapping, and head bowing, and doing tremendous leaps into the air by both birds. This dance begins late winter as a prelude to mating, but may occur at other times as they defend their territories. Whoopers and the sandhills mate for life...