Sandhill Cranes are rare birds, but they're common in our neighborhood at this time of year. They appear in groups of 2 or 3, rarely singly. Usually one bird stands guard while the others forage. They love my backyard because of a wet area at the opening of a culvert where they can drink and also eat whatever tidbits favor the damp ground there. They are not shy birds. You can often see them walking down the boulevard in middle of the road, causing cars to stop or follow them slowly until they decide to move over. My cats are afraid of them but will crouch in the grass and watch from a safe distance.