Motorists asked to watch for sandhill cranes

In Nocatee, a group of four sandhill cranes has been routinely frequenting the area around Valley Ridge and Nocatee Parkway East, particularly in the grassy medians near the on/off ramps and the center fields in the early mornings at rush hour and early evenings just before sunset.

They also routinely frequent both off-ramps of Nocatee Parkway East to Town Center, and their usual spots where Threatened Species signage is posted, foraging and performing their elaborate dance displays as they enter mating and baby season.

Advocates are asking motorists to drive mindfully and obey posted speed limits and sandhill crane area signage to ensure the safety of these state-designated threatened birds.

Here are some important points:

• If a crane crosses the street, slow down and be patient. Do not beep the horn, as it will startle them and cause them to stop in the middle of crossing. Let them cross the street at their own pace. Remember, this is their habitat, which has been fragmented by roads and development (habitat fragmentation).

• Cranes are walking birds. They typically cover miles each day within their proper habitat and rarely fly across streets or neighborhoods due to the energy it requires.

• Sandhill cranes with young colts cannot fly until the babies are about 2.5 months old (approximately 72 days after hatching).

Most common threats to sandhill cranes:

• Development/habitat loss and fragmentation

• Collisions with cars, powerlines and fences

• Unleashed pets

• Harrassment (chasing, following) 

• Entanglement

• Golf ball strikes

There are only 4,000 to 5,000 Florida sandhill cranes left in existence. This dwindling number has caused the state to designate them as threatened, and thus, they are protected by Florida's Endangered and Threatened Species Act and the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

In November and December, 25,000 greater sandhill cranes migrate to Florida to spend the winter with their year-round Florida crane relatives. This may give the illusion that the population in Florida is thriving.

If you see a Sandhill Crane that has been hit or killed by a collision with a car, report it to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) or online at: 

Online Reporting: https://myfwc.com/get-involved/volunteer/citizen-science/sightings/sandhill-crane.