Kip’s Comments - April 30, 2026

Hatching Happened

For the past few weeks I have been watching a sandhill crane nest with two eggs being incubated. Since I did not know the exact date of when the second egg arrived, I had to estimate hatch day. Yesterday there were two eggs, today there were only shells in pieces. Hatching of both eggs occurred over a 30-hour (or so) period.

Sandhill Crane Nest with Two Eggs - Image 1089087

After hatching it is next to impossible to find the colts. Parent sandhill cranes and instincts cause the tiny birds to seem to know to hide. These young cranes, if they survive, likely won’t be seen until they have grown considerably.

Sandhill Crane Nest After Hatching - Image 1093128