Sandhill Crane, central Florida

Sandhill Crane

Grus canadensis

Colt Creek State Park

Polk County, Florida

about 40 miles ne of Tampa

14 Dec 2009

 

USGS info for Sandhill Crane

 

Sandhill Cranes are common in central Florida -- less common in north Florida

and south Florida. (See distribution maps in USGS info.)

I've often seen them while driving through Florida.

This is the first time I was able to get close to one.

 

Colt Creek State Park opened in 2006. It is just south of the

Green Swamp Wildlife Management Area on Hwy 471.

This was my first visit to the park. It's about a 200 mile

drive south from where I live. The weather was beautiful -- temperature

in 80's and sunny. I saw one pair of cranes while I was hiking.

Bicycling is allowed on the park paths, but the

paths are not in good shape for bicycling.

 

p1050391

Done