Bird of the Month · September 2026
Antigone canadensis
Sandhill Crane
Our last name, Crandall, means "Valley of the Crane" — this is the bird the family and the studio are named for.
My family has always had a fondness for birds of all kinds. We are excited to introduce Bird of the Month: we will highlight a bird every month, and for every sale of our featured photographs, we will donate 100% of the proceeds to bird conservation efforts.
Our first bird has always been an important part of our family and holds special meaning for us. When my ancestors came over from Sweden, our original name was changed to a friendlier pronunciation for the English dialect. Our last name, Crandall, means "Valley of the Crane." While there are many different kinds of cranes, Sandhill Cranes migrate to areas where I often spend time, and they have become a symbol for our family and company.
We are excited not only to highlight a new bird every month, but to do our part in bird conservation efforts.
Sincerely,
The Crandalls
Our first bird has always been an important part of our family and holds special meaning for us. When my ancestors came over from Sweden, our original name was changed to a friendlier pronunciation for the English dialect. Our last name, Crandall, means "Valley of the Crane." While there are many different kinds of cranes, Sandhill Cranes migrate to areas where I often spend time, and they have become a symbol for our family and company.
We are excited not only to highlight a new bird every month, but to do our part in bird conservation efforts.
Sincerely,
The Crandalls
Sandhill Crane at a glance
Height
Around 48 inches tall
Wingspan
7 feet
Habitat
Sandhill Cranes live in marshes, wetlands, and prairies
Nesting
Nests are often found in marshes, ponds, or tundra grasslands, composed of materials found in their habitats such as weeds, grasses, and whole rooted plants
Eggs
Typically two, olive-brown with brown or gray markings for camouflage; both male and female watch over the nest and incubate the eggs
Food
Grains, berries, seeds, and roots, plus freshly planted or harvested crops such as corn and wheat
Voice
A trumpeting, rattling gar-oo-oo, audible for more than a mile
Migration
Every spring, up to 1,000,000 Sandhill Cranes congregate along the Platte River in Nebraska for a few weeks — one of the most amazing wildlife spectacles left in North America
Fun facts
Young cranes are called colts; Sandhill Cranes mate for life, and they dance together to strengthen their bond
Why conservation
Marshes and wetlands are often put in jeopardy by increased agricultural and housing expansion
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