The Uintah Basin is home to a unique looking bird with a memorable set of pipes. The sandhill crane is one of the largest migratory birds in the world, standing four feet tall with a gray body and red crown. Perhaps most memorable about this unique bird is its loud rattling call that can literally be heard up to 2.5 miles away. Another interesting quirk about this bird is the dancing and courtship rituals performed as mates are chosen. With so many charms, it is no surprise that the Division of Wildlife Resources is hosting a sandhill crane viewing day
on September 22nd
with multiple events in the Vernal area.
From 7 to 9am
spotting scopes will be set up at the Jensen Nature Park where viewers can watch for cranes in nearby fields. After the morning viewing, participants can head to the Uintah County Library for fun crane-related activities
from 9:30am to 4pm
. An auto tour will leave the library
at 4pm
and head to the crane’s roosting grounds at Pelican Lake and the Ouray National Wildlife Refuge. For more information, call
435-781-9453
.
