EARLY IN THE lives of this recovery population of Whooping Cranes, social hierarchy is determined and adhered to within the cohort. The established social order and behaviors may carry on throughout the life of the birds, at least until they disperse into other social groups where their status may change.

Social hierarchies and other social interactions are also prevalent in other animals and birds. For example, Chickadees have a social hierarchy, but they are such friendly types that observing such structure is difficult, for they are never very long in one place. With the Whooping Cranes in this project, the social structure is more visible.

One disclaimer here: it’s always tempting to anthropomorphize animal behavior – we can draw some conclusions that are accurate, probably, but most observations may be speculation, in reality. That said, here goes – you be the judge. In the blind, we await the cranes’ dramatic procession to the oyster bar for the evening roost. Social behaviors become obvious. For example, cranes lower in the social hierarchy eat after more dominant birds. The young cranes seem to tolerate small groups, and when one group finishes feeding, then another group with apparently lower status gets a chance to chow down.

The whooping crane dominates with its seven foot wingspan. Photo by Christine Barnes, The Northfield News Some seem playful: out in the pen, there’s an esoteric game underway. There’s a lot of dancing and prancing, heads high, wings outstretched. Only two or three cranes at a time are invited to play. It lasts only a minute. Then the group disperses, and the crane game erupts elsewhere, among different birds.

From time to time in the pen, the cranes demonstrate intimidating and threatening behaviors to others in the cohort. Some seem like serious challenges: we witness two cranes, beak-to-beak, locked in a staredown. It lasts for less than a minute, but we are riveted by the stand-off. Finally, one bird lowers its head and neck and slinks along through some other cranes whose bodies afford some protection. The dominant crane makes an aggressive run at the retreating bird, as others scatter.

When the chips are down, though, these birds hang tight. They have a pack mentality. If they perceive danger, they often gather together and move as a group, curious, cautious, prepared to do battle. A couple of raccoons are feeding in the rushes nearby. The cranes step boldly toward the edge of the pen to investigate. There they watch for a while, and the next night, when the masked bandits return, the cranes are far less concerned. They seem to learn quickly which critters are good neighbors.

As in most social groups, it’s important to hold personal space as a prize. At one end of the pen, one of the older cranes engages in an independent display. There is a small rain pool there. The crane is actively dancing by itself, around the pool, into the pool, then out, pirouetting, dipping into the shallow water and flicking small feathers from the water’s surface into the air. There’s almost a frenzied quality to its dance, wings outstretched. The crane finds one final prize: a large feather about 8 inches long. With the long white feather in its beak, the dance continues. Groucho Marx comes to mind.

The light is growing thin, and the activity begins to subside. It’s time for the oyster bar, and a good night’s sleep. However, as Jay said, “Nothing is about the destination. It’s all about the journey.” On the way, the young cranes eat. They play. They stare, dance, flap wings, stretch. They are easily diverted from their mission by three raccoons – a mom and her two little ones; three deer; and a wad of grass they spear and toss repeatedly, while dancing and appearing brave in the face of its limp and soggy challenge. Finally, finally, there is a slow and deliberate line toward the oyster bar. There is resignation in every step. Gradually, the “Harley kick”, then onto one leg as the chill of the night overtakes the salt marsh. An outrageously gorgeous full moon shows up and sets the scene aglow.

If you perceive any similarity between the cranes’ behavior and the middle schooler in your household, it may be a good reminder that we are not as far removed from the animal kingdom as we would like to believe. Or, it may be purely an accident. Your choice.