Hatched

I wondered yesterday whether the Sandhill Crane chicks weren't about to arrive. The eggs hatched today, and two auburn chicks appeared.

Mama Crane spent most of the morning standing next to, not on, the nest. By early afternoon, she began to clear egg shells.

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Verona, Wisconsin, May 5, 2015. For a time, she sat on the nest. Papa Crane then roused her.

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Verona, Wisconsin, May 5, 2015. When Mama Crane stood up, we could see one chick at her feet.

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Verona, Wisconsin, May 5, 2015. Later, we saw the two chicks.

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Verona, Wisconsin, March 2015. When a Crane Chick asks, "Mama, where did I come from?" Mama Crane can think back to this day.

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ADDED: Here's one: