Sandhill Cranes in New Jersey

Sandhill Cranes, Grus canadensis, are likely the oldest bird species alive today with fossil remains of essentially the same bird dating back nine million years.   These birds are part of a group of 18 that winters at Husted Landing, New Jersey.   They spend most of the day feeding in nearby fields or in the salt marsh. One Common Crane, Grus grus, of unknown origin is among them and has interbred so several of the group are hybrids.