Spring Spectacle

     Spring always seems to be officially announced by the fantastic migration of Sandhill Cranes over the heartland. While there's always a smaller flock of a few thousand which winter in the southern Red Hills, many thousands more join them in early March as they migrate from Texas, New Mexico and northern Mexico to nesting grounds as far north as the tundra of Canada. While there are six sub-species now identified for Antigone canadensis, the Lesser Sandhill Crane is in the largest numbers and the ones gracing our skies right now. This mid-continent population numbers around a half million strong, concentrating by mid-March on the middle Platte River in central Nebraska. I try to impart my own appreciation for this special spring treat as follows.
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Drifting along such lofty heights, winding to roost at evening light,

thousands flying in such straggly lines, with the south wind pushing from behind.

Like ancient aerial dinosaurs glimmering in the sky,

presenting challenges finding them so high.

Then slowly setting giant wings, stabilizing such enormous things,

formations gracefully floating in joining thousands of other Sandhill              Cranes.

Their chuckling calls reminds us all of ancient eons past,

for millions of years with similar birds following same migration paths.

Springtime always brings rebirth with optimistic dreams

from the lusty songs of feathered friends and emerging leafy greens.

But nothing fills the soul much more or matches nature’s cheer
then to be greeted with this spectacle in early March each year.