Actions speak louder than words

Learning to live with wild creatures as the population continues to escalate, which it does despite what the experts say, can cause concern with those of us who have seen Florida change drastically over the last 30 years with more development, more cars, more people and generally more of everything. Unfortunately, this can spell disaster for many native species who do not adjust well to the "more."

Sandhill cranes are native to Florida but their population increases in the winter months due to migrating birds from up north. I have seen many killed on the highways surrounding Sarasota by speeding motorists who pay no attention to the signs warning of habitat or even the speed limit. So this morning, as I was coming back from the rescue and going west on Clark Road, the pair of cranes calmly walking across 3 lanes of traffic caused my heart to pump faster. As I slowed to a stop, the cars in the other two lanes did the same.

The birds reached the median and with incoming cars in the 3 eastbound lanes, I held my breath to see if the birds made it.

All three lanes of traffic stopped and let the birds cross Clark Road. It was nice to see people still stopping to enjoy the birds and helping them arrive safely to the other side. Thanks!