Page 24 - Abacoa Community News - November '24

Page 24, Abacoa
Northern Notes

Living With Sandhill Cranes Two subspecies of to open areas in urban settings
sandhill crane live in Florida such as golf courses, parks in
By Katie Roundtree, at certain times of the year. subdivisions and undeveloped
Director of Finance and The Florida sandhill crane land in commercial areas.
Administration, Northern (Grus Canadensis pratensis), As omnivores, sandhill
Palm Beach County numbering 4,000 to 5,000, is cranes play a crucial role in
Improvement District a non-migratory year-round Florida’s ecosystem. Their
Sandhill cranes, with breeding resident. They are diet, which includes plants
their long legs, necks, and joined every winter by 25,000 and small animals like snails,
distinctive gray plumage, migratory greater sandhill frogs, worms, and grubs,
are a sight to behold. cranes (Grus Canadensis provides natural biological
Their striking appearance, tabida), the larger of the two control for their grazing areas.
including the patch of red subspecies, that winter in This unique pest control service they offer is one of the many
skin on their head, sets them Florida but nest in the Great reasons we appreciate their presence in our environment.
apart as they stand almost 4 feet tall. You may spot them Lakes region. Sandhill cranes spend most of the daylight hours in areas where
near preserves and wetlands, in parking lots, or even walking Sandhill cranes mate for food is most abundant, generally walking several miles a day
across roads, seemingly oblivious to danger. They often travel life and attract mates using an through dry pastures, fields, wet meadows, or marshes in search
in small groups or pairs, sometimes with their young ones in elaborate dance. These cranes nest during late winter and early for food, eating as they go.
tow, adding to their unique charm. spring on mats of vegetation found in shallow water such as People inadvertently put them in harm’s way when feeding
preserves or marshes. Sandhill chicks can leave the nest as early them, thinking they are being kind. It is never a good idea to
as eight hours after hatching and can swim if necessary. In the feed wildlife. In fact, in 2002, the Florida Fish and Wildlife
wild, crane chicks follow their parents and peck food from their Conservation Commission made it illegal to feed sandhill
beaks. By the time they are two to three months old, they are cranes (Florida Fish and Wildlife Code 68A-4.00(3)). Why was
independent and can find food on their own. They are doting and this done? Cranes can become aggressive when fed by people.
protective parents. One bird will watch out for the others while When they are used to a free meal, they will continue to return
feeding. Juveniles stay with their parent from 9 to 10 months and demand it when it is not offered. Cranes returning to a yard
after hatching. Before juveniles are old enough to breed, they where they have been fed are prone to injury by cars as they cross
may travel and feed in flocks called “bachelor flocks.” the street to get to the yard. They are also more vulnerable to
They have been around for a very long time. The first predation by dogs or cats, especially young cranes. Occasionally,
known sandhill crane fossil was found in the Macasphalt shell birds cause damage to property as a territorial defense behavior
pit in Florida. It was estimated to be about 2.5 million years upon seeing their reflection in cars or window screens. Pesticides
old. They are not endangered, but due to habitat loss, their in yards and urban areas can also be of concern as they forage
populations can be of concern in certain areas. They are attracted for food in the ground. Feeding them can disrupt their natural
foraging behavior, making them more susceptible to these
dangers.
Look around and enjoy these beautiful birds interacting with
our Florida environment. Give them space if you encounter them
and be mindful of them crossing or walking in our roadways.
Finally, please do not feed them for the good of the cranes and
Florida’s delicate ecosystem. For more information, please visit
the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website
at www.myfwc.com.
NPDES tip: Safely use and dispose of pesticides. If all of the
NEED A/C? We’ve Got You Covered! pesticide cannot be properly used, check with your solid waste
management authority to find out when and where to properly
dispose of this type of hazardous waste.
Professional Firefighters And

“WE SHOW

UP!” Paramedics Of Palm Beach County

By Steen Eriksson, Turkey fryers account for more than half of Thanksgiving
Community Relations, IAFF cooking fires. According to the National Fire Protection
Local 2928 Association (NFPA) five deaths occur each year from turkey
Across the United States, fryer accidents. These accidents cause around 60 injuries and
more cooking fires occur on cause $15 million in property damage.
Thanksgiving Day than any Please make sure to always follow the manufacturer’s
other day of the year. The instructions when using a deep fryer and, foremost, make
Consumer Products Safety sure it is used only outside, and not on a wood deck.
Commission reports that As golf carts are
Call Today for a FREE estimate! on average, there are 1,600 becoming more popular
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Call S.E.T. to install your “new computer, printer on in the kitchen, and never let the food on the stove or in your golf cart can help prevent an incident that could have a
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