Great flocks of Sandhill Cranes announce their return to their wintering grounds with rollicking calls that can be heard for miles, reassuring us that the cycles of nature continue. The multitudes of these huge and charismatic birds include established, life-long pairs. The pairs forage together, nurturing their bonds throughout the year. Migrating Sandhill Cranes spend their winters in wetlands, including in California’s Central Valley, where 95% of the wetlands have been disturbed or destroyed. The cranes rely on managed nature preserves for their survival. We celebrate the return of the cranes each year and gaze in awe at their graceful flight.