While sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis) are the most abundant crane species in the world, it’s not incredibly common to see one in New Jersey. However, since they were first seen in New Jersey in 1992, they have been spotted with increasing frequency, especially during migration. Recently, I was fortunate to see sandhill cranes in New Jersey on three occasions within 2 weeks.
Miry Run
My first time seeing a sandhill crane in New Jersey was at the Miry Run Natural Area in Hamilton (Mercer County). This crane, which appeared to be an immature bird, lacked the distinctive red crown in adults.
Walked back and forth along the shore near the dam.
Franklin Township
The second time I saw sandhill cranes in New Jersey was in Somerset County – in a cornfield at the corner of Mettlers Road and Weston Road in Franklin Township. Apparently, this has become a regular stop for the cranes during the migration.
There were mere than a dozen sandhill cranes, and I got to observe them get feisty with each other.
Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge
Finally, I got to see a group of 5 sandhill cranes at the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge. They were right next to the parking lot on the Liberty Loop Trail. While I was there, one of the cranes had succeeded in hunting a rodent, and was running around with the mouse in its beak as the other cranes followed him around.
