Sandhill crane

　The sandhill crane, known in Japan as the “Canadian Crane”. Several birds migrate to the Izumi Plain almost every year.

　This year, three are said to be overwintering here, two of which are always inseparable. From morning till night, they spent their time together, never straying far apart.

　Though a rare bird in Japan, it is the world’s most abundant crane, with an estimated population exceeding 1.5 million. In some US states, hunting of the sandhill crane is permitted for pest control of crops and for sport hunting. Reports indicate that, for now, capture is being carried out at sustainable levels.