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The large bird, only occasionally found in Pennsylvania, is a must-see for any bird enthusiast.
"It's an uncommon occurrence," North Museum volunteer curator Leon Schreffler said. "It's just not found here. It's like asking why aren't penguins in Lancaster County?"
Sandhill cranes usually follow a migration route from Canada and the northern Midwest states to Mexico in the winter.
"You don't have the opportunity to see them that often in the East," Schreffler said. "It's a neat bird to see."
Schreffler was fortunate enough to see a sandhill crane locally about a year ago at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, a 5,000-acre refuge straddling the Lancaster/Lebanon County line and managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
This past spring, Middle Creek hosted two sandhill cranes, Middle Creek Wildlife Management food and cover worker Drew Lembert said Sunday. He said they believe last year's visitor returned with its mate, but there is no way to prove the theory.
"For one to be here one year and the next year two show up and stay mostly together, it makes sense," Lembert said.
"It's hard to say without asking, and I don't think they'd have much to say."Known as "rare but regular migrants" in Pennsylvania, laying eyes on a sandhill crane requires a bit of luck, Lancaster Bird Club President Ann Bodling said.
"It seems like every year or two there are a few that are sighted — not usually more than five or six are seen in the state," Bodling said.
With Thursday's sighting, Lembert said this year's total is already up to four, "but we don't know if they are the same ones or different ones."
While a rarity now, sandhill cranes used to be a mainstay in the state. Skeletal remains of the species dating to the early 1600s have been found in Pennsylvania. Coincidentally, those remains were found in the Washington Boro area.
"They used to be very plentiful (in Pennsylvania)," Bodling said. "Now they are most known for how rare they are."
Overhunting, she said, is the biggest reason for that rarity locally, as it was for the disappearance of many bird populations in the 1800s.
Valued for their plumage, Bodling said, "Birds were shot and sent to New York City by the barrel loads."
While now almost unheard-of in the East, sandhill cranes breed in the Midwest in the "hundreds of thousands," Bodling said.
When Lancaster County does happen to attract a sandhill crane, it is typically from March to May.
"It's interesting that it's this late," Bodling said, noting that sandhill cranes are currently in their breeding season.
Cranes develop strong pair bonds and "mate for life," according to the International Crane Foundation's Web site, which might explain why in the Far East they are used to symbolize a happy marriage and long life. They typically travel with their mates and offspring, making the straggler in Washington Boro even more unique.
"They're usually in groups," Schreffler said. "It's odd finding a single here or there."
"It's hard to say how it got here," Bodling said. "Sometimes they get off-course. Sometimes storms blow them in."
Described by Schreffler as an "opportunistic bird," sandhill cranes consume a diverse diet based on their surroundings.
The crane found in Washington Boro was observed flicking mulberries into its mouth as it picked through a field.
"I would have never thought of mulberries," Schreffler said, crediting the different climate for the unique food choice.
They have been known to consume aquatic invertebrates, insects, worms, eggs, seeds and grains from harvested fields, he said. Seeing it eat the berries, however, seemed to surprise him.
"That's what observing does — it helps us out," said Schreffler, also a Lancaster County Bird Club member.
Those hoping to spot a sandhill crane should look for the distinctive red patch on its forehead, which contrasts with its white cheeks.
Its feathers are gray, but often appear to have a deep, rusty brown hue in the spring and summer from preening with iron-rich mud.
With the exception of their red crowns, sandhill cranes closely resemble great blue herons, Schreffler said.
In comparison to Pennsylvania's typical bird population, the sandhill crane looks like a giant. Typically reaching heights of 40 to 48 inches, it can sport an impressive 6-foot wingspan.
"It's an unusual-looking bird for Pennsylvania," Bodling said of the crane's size.
"People love seeing it," Lembert said. "It adds to the variety because it's not usual."
E-mail: stephweaver@lnpnews.com
