Sandhill Crane / Grus canadensis

This Sandhill Crane was living in captivity at the Calgary Zoo Ranch, in an enclosure near the Whooping Cranes, just south of the city. A group of us had the privilege of visiting this place that is doing tremendous work in conservation. In 1985, the Devonian Wildlife Conservation Centre (DWCC) opened. Known as the "Zoo Ranch," this land south of Calgary is home to the breeding facilities for the endangered Whooping Cranes, Vancouver Island Marmots, Przwalksi wild horses and Grevy's Zebra. I have been lucky enough to see three or four Sandhill Cranes in the wild, but never a Whooping Crane.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandhill_Crane