Baker Sanctuary is just south of the Terrific Town of Bellevue, Michigan

The Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) is one of only 15 species of cranes in the world and is one of just two crane species native to North America. While the Whooping Crane, our other native crane, is highly endangered and restricted to only a few areas of the West, the Sandhill is more widespread and in most areas is more abundant. Once nearly eliminated from Michigan, Sandhill Cranes have made a comeback and now are becoming one of the state's most popular watch-able wildlife species.

Learn more about this area at www.michiganbackroads.com and www.bellevuemi.net

Bellevue is home to the Sandhill Crane Festival that is held the 2nd weekend in October.

 

Sand Hill Cranes in Michigan

sandhill cranesFew wildlife wonders can match the spectacle of several thousand sand hill cranes wheeling through the sky as they descend near Bellevue, Michigan.  During the second weekend of October, Baker Sanctuary is host to these magnificent birds.

2006 Official Crane Count – 5,948

The official USF&WS crane count at Baker Sanctuary this year was completed on Friday, November 3. The temperature was in the upper 30s, but there was little wind. Six counters tallied 5,948 cranes — the second largest gathering ever recorded in Michigan. The count started about 2:30 PM and was completed by 6:00 PM. In 2005 a state record 6,754 Sandhill Cranes were counted.


Cranes are tall, stately birds with a heavy body, long neck and long legs. Standing four to five feet high and possessing a wing span of six to seven feet, Sandhill Cranes are Michigan's largest bird. Long, skinny legs and neck give a false impression of size; the males weigh an average of about 12 pounds and the females around 9-1/2 pounds. Except for this size difference, both sexes look alike.