Sunday, about 10 AM, on a field trip near Lyons, 17 of us saw 2 sandhill cranes circling high overhead 1 mile east of Hwy 36 between Boulder and Lyons, on Hygiene Rd.
While both birds were obviously cranes, and almost certainly Sandhill Cranes, one bird was at least 35% LARGER than the other. I understand there are maybe 6 different subspecies of Lesser Sandhill Crane, and then, of course, Greater Sandhill Crane, but I found nothing in the literature that would account for the HUGE size difference. I would estimate that the smaller bird was at least 15 inches shorter than the larger, and probably had a wingspan of at least 12 inches less. The birds were circling around, as if interested in coming down, so be alert out there! Any explanations from the birding masters out there? Thanks Davis - at 6,000 ft. NW of Lyons -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
