Sandhill Cranes breed across northern portions of the central and western United States and throughout Canada and Alaska. The majority of Pennsylvania sightings have been in the northwestern or southeastern parts of the state so it is quite uncommon to find one here in Adams County. It is likely that this is the first sighting in this county.
This bird was first noticed by the landowner on July 16, 2008. Since they are not birders, they were not immediately aware of the significance of their guest. In the following days, the bird became more acclimated to it's surroundings and paid frequent visits to the lawn and flower gardens, even venturing up to windows and pecking on them. Sensing that this was not the usual backyard bird, they notified the local Audubon Society and allowed us to confirm the ID and photograph the Sandhill.
