06/21/2026
Some people put plastic pink flamingos in their front yard. I'd rather have sandhill cranes!
I snapoed this photo with my phone today while walking Banjo through our neighborhood. This young family wandered across the lawn like they owned the place. And honestly, they kind of do.
Sandhill cranes have been part of North America's landscape for millions of years. Seeing them raise their chicks in our neighborhoods is a reminder that wildlife can still find a place alongside us.
I know some people get frustrated when cranes poke a few holes in their lawns while searching for insects, grubs, and seeds. Personally, I'll gladly accept a few small holes in exchange for free insect control and the chance to watch one of Michigan's most iconic birds raise a family nearby.
More than anything, I think their presence says something important about our great state of Michigan. We still have enough open space, wetlands, and natural areas to support wildlife. That's something worth celebrating.
No plastic. No assembly required. Just a pair of proud parents and their c**t taking a stroll through the neighborhood.
At Sustained Outcomes, part of our mission is to inspire natural connections. Moments like this remind us that nature isn't somewhere we have to drive hours to find. Sometimes it's right outside the front door, waiting for us to notice. And when people develop those connections to the natural world, they're more likely to care about it, protect it, and pass that appreciation on to others.
