Posted by Teri Davis on April 16, 2005

Q: I was hiking today just south of the Tetons within 2 miles of the Hoeback canyon in Wyoming. I saw a pair of birds and cannot figure out what they are. They were between 5-6 feet tall, pale blue grey on their neck, very long neck, pointy bill. They made a sound that is nothing like a Great blue heron. When they flew they kind of look like geese from below but their feet are skinny like a heron when they fly and obviously their necks were far too long. They squawked at me and then hid behind some aspens. They were beautiful and curious and loud! They continued squawking at me as the flew over me. I was probably 30 yards away from them before they flew away.

Thank you so much for your help!

A: From the sound of your description, you may have seen two Sandhill Cranes. The clincher would be if in steady, level flight, not takeoff, they had their necks outstretched or pulled back. Cranes fly with outstretched necks while in level flight, the herons fly with necks pulled back.

The cranes are certainly impressive birds and can also be quite vocal. My vote would be for Sandhills. Thanks for sharing.

John Wiessinger ( April 17, 2005)