Having been on a Cather-sandhill Cranes trip on Friday, I think I can say with authority that Ivar in O Pioneers is describing migrating cranes when he talks about his pond and specifically mentions cranes. A Rowe Sanctuary guide who heard that description read aloud said it was definitely on point for crane behavior, and sandhill cranes were the obvious species.

Best,

Melissa Homestead

From: "5 Bank Street: The Listserv for Willa Cather Scholars" <[log in to unmask]> on behalf of Robert Thacker <[log in to unmask]>
Reply-To: "5 Bank Street: The Listserv for Willa Cather Scholars" <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Monday, March 25, 2019 at 10:14 AM
To: "[log in to unmask]" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: [5BANKSTREET] Sand Hill Cranes

A question from a friend: “Did Cather ever write about Sand Hill Cranes”? I can think of ducks, but not cranes.

Do tell. Thanks.

Bob

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Robert Thacker

Charles A. Dana Professor of Canadian Studies and English Emeritus

St. Lawrence University

Canton, New York 13617