May 5
Good Morning
I took a trip to Rocky Mountain House yesterday and came across this Sandhill Crane. They breed in the area.
They also use make-up for during the breeding season. They rub dirt into their feathers and the iron oxide turns an ochre color. They are naturally grey. It is not known if this is for attracting mates or for camouflage. Here is a reference article : https://sora.unm.edu/sites/default/files/FFN_03-2-p28-30Nesbitt[1].pdf
Not sure what it does to their feathers but I am sure they have figured it our over the millenia.
Stay Well
