Brilliant birds: Sandhill cranes a thing of beauty

Two sandhill cranes walked together through a marshy area Thursday, Aug. 13, near Common Goods thrift store in Baxter.

The species of crane is one of the largest birds found in Minnesota, standing about 5 feet tall with a wingspan of almost 7 feet, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Sandhill cranes prefer wet meadows and open landscapes. A protected species in the state, they migrate south in the winter. They have few predatory enemies because of their grand size.

1/5: A sandhill crane takes flight from a marshy area Thursday, Aug. 13, in Baxter. One of Minnesota's largest bird species, the sandhill crane prefer wet meadows and open landscapes. A protected species in the state, they migrate south in the winter. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

2/5: A sandhill crane flies through the air after taking off from a marshy area Thursday, Aug. 13, in Baxter. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

3/5: Two sandhill cranes take off flying from a marshy area Thursday, Aug. 13, in Baxter. The large birds, which have few predatory enemies given their size, will migrate south for the winter. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

4/5: Two sandhill cranes walk together Thursday, Aug. 13, in Baxter. The large birds, which have few predatory enemies given their size, will migrate south for the winter. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

5/5: Two sandhill cranes walk together through a marshy area Thursday, Aug. 13, near Common Goods thrift store in Baxter. The species of crane is one of the largest birds found in Minnesota, standing about 5 feet tall with a wingspan of almost 7 feet, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch