Blue Cranes In South Africa

Blue Cranes are South Africa’s national bird. Although I grew up in South Africa, I have only seen one once before, that was in 2006, and they were listed as endangered due to habitat destruction. So I was elated and thrilled to see them again a few days ago. The experience was made better by seeing not only one or two but a flock of roughly 25 birds spread across the field they shared with some woolly sheep. It is heart warming to see an animal surviving this changing earth. They are such gracious birds with strong thorny calls that sound at odd to their their stance and grace.