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I know fall has officially arrived when I hear the distinct rattles and trumpet-like calls from Sandhill cranes flying over our house.
The birds are pretty easy to spot in farm fields and marshes this time of year as they begin to gather in large flocks (staging) in preparation for their fall migration (the ones I catch a glimpse of will migrate from Wisconsin to Florida and Texas).
Sandhill cranes remain loyal to the same mate for many years and sometimes for life. Sandhill crane youngsters stay with their parents and even migrate with them until they are about 10 months old.
These big, beautiful birds can live more than 20 years.