A Rare Visitor: Sandhill Crane Makes Historic Stop in Rahway

RAHWAY, NJ — Residents and birders alike were treated to a prehistoric-looking surprise this past weekend. A sandhill crane, a bird more commonly associated with the wide-open prairies of the Midwest than the streets of Union County, was spotted wandering through Rahway, marking a major milestone for local citizen science.This sighting is a major event for the local birding community. According to eBird, a global data project managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, this is only the second time a sandhill crane has ever been reported in Union County. The only other time occurred in 2021, when two birds were seen flying high over Mountainside. This weekend's visitor, however, gave locals a much closer look.The Journey Through TownThe crane was first spotted near Union Street before making its way toward Jackson Avenue and Ludlow Street. The unusual sight even drew a welfare check from local police and animal control; however, the bird proved it was in good health, eventually taking flight and showing off its impressive wingspan. Since its initial arrival, the crane has been seen making "pit stops" at the Rahway 7-Eleven and even Madison Elementary School.About the Sandhill CraneSandhill cranes are one of the world's oldest living bird species, with fossils dating back millions of years.Native Range: They are primarily native to North America, with major populations found in the Midwest, Canada, and Alaska.Breeding: During the spring and summer, they breed in open wetlands, marshes, and meadows, often in the northern U.S. and Canada.Current Season: While many sandhill cranes migrate south to Florida or Texas for the winter, some populations have begun shifting their routes. A sighting in New Jersey during early May suggests the bird may be a "vagrant" or a pioneer exploring new territory during the spring migration."Hunting" With a CameraAs an avid outdoorsman, I spend plenty of time in the woods hunting and fishing, but there is a unique thrill in "hunting" for rare migrating birds with binoculars and a camera. Projects like eBird, which is funded by grants and donations, allow enthusiasts like us to record our field observations and feeder sightings. This data helps scientists track how species like the sandhill crane are adapting to a changing world.Currently, eBird lists 295 different species reported for Union County. This crane is now one of the rarest entries on that list.Speaking of photos, we would like to give a big shout-out to local photographer Juan Melli for sharing the great shots he took of the sandhill crane and for allowing TAPInto Rahway to share them here. While these shots make it as though Melli could reach out and touch the bird, he kept a safe distance between himself and the crane, relying on his camera to get these terrific images. That is, until the crane got a little curious and offered a peck on the boot as a hello!Respect Our GuestIf you are heading out to try and catch a glimpse of this majestic visitor, please follow these guidelines to ensure the bird stays safe and healthy:Keep Your Distance: Use your zoom lens! Give the bird plenty of space so it doesn't feel threatened or stressed.Do Not Feed: While it might be tempting to offer a snack, please refrain. Birders and photographers have already observed the crane successfully "hunting" and feeding on insects in local yards.Share the Sight: If you get a great shot, consider uploading it to eBird to help document this historic visit!It isn't every day that a piece of living history walks down the street in Rahway. Let’s enjoy this rare visit responsibly while it lasts.What is eBird? eBird is a citizen-science project that gathers sightings from bird watchers worldwide. Whether you are in the deep woods or watching your backyard feeder, your data helps the Cornell Lab of Ornithology protect birds and their habitats.[Don’t miss any TAPinto Rahway news. Go to tapinto.net/enews to sign up for our free e-newsletter, delivered each morning to your inbox.]