Page 7 - PGA Community News - April '22

April 2022 April 2022 PGA C.A.N.!, Page 7

Northern Notes

Living With Sandhill Cranes Two subspecies of sandhill crane occur
in Florida. The Florida sandhill crane (G. c.
By Katie Roundtree, pratensis), numbering 4,000 to 5,000, is a
Director of Finance and nonmigratory year-round breeding resident. They
Administration, Northern are joined every winter by 25,000 migratory
Palm Beach County greater sandhill cranes (G. c. tabida), the larger
Improvement District of the two subspecies. The greater sandhill crane
Sandhill cranes are long- winters in Florida but nests in the Great Lakes
legged, long-necked gray, region.
heron-like birds with a patch Sandhill cranes mate for life and attract
of red skin on their head. mates using an elaborate dance. These cranes
They are distinctive looking nest during late winter and early spring on mats
birds standing almost 4-feet- of vegetation found in shallow water such as
tall and can be seen near preserves or marshes. Sandhill chicks can leave
preserves and wetlands, in parking lots and walking across the nest as early as eight hours after hatching and can swim They have been
roads oblivious to danger. They travel in small groups or if necessary. Juveniles stay with their parent from 9 to 10 around for a very
pairs sometimes with young in tow. months after hatching. long time. The first
known sandhill crane
fossi l wa s found
in the Macasphalt
Shell Pit in Florida.
It was estimated to
be about 2.5 million
years old. They are
not endangered but
due to loss of habitat,
Upscale Resale their populations
can be of concern in
certain areas. They are
Experience The Difference attracted to open areas
in urban settings such
as golf courses, parks
New and consigned furniture, unique lighting, accessories and gifts. in subdivisions and
Complete wallpaper and fabric library for all your design needs. undeveloped land in
commercial areas.
Sandhill cranes are
New 23,000 sq. ft. Location omnivores, which means that they eat plants as well as
small animals like snails, frogs, worms and grubs. They
provide natural biological control for their grazing areas as
they eat these common pests of turf. Sandhill cranes have
Consign and Design has EXPANDED! They have moved to a new, much an abundance of natural foods and do not need handouts
larger location at 7700 N Military Trail. The previous “Golf Store” has been from humans.

People inadvertently put them in harm’s way when
redesigned and it’s gorgeous! Consign and Design has been the place feeding them, thinking that they are being kind. It is never
to buy and consign for the last 20 years. They specialize in working with a good idea to feed wildlife. In fact, in 2002, the Florida
high-end homes, upscale designers, and luxury model homes. Multiple Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) made
celebrities and sports legends have used their services and shoppers have it illegal to feed sandhill cranes (Florida Fish and Wildlife
purchased incredible pieces as a result. With wait times for furniture at Code 68A-4.00(3). Why was this done? Cranes can become
aggressive when fed by people. When they are used to a
more than a year in some instances, luxury consignment brings great free meal, they will continue to return and demand it when
value. They also carry fabulous new artwork, lighting, and accessories. If it is not offered. Cranes returning to a yard where they
you haven’t experienced Consign and Design, check it out soon! You won’t have been fed are prone to injury by cars as they cross the
believe the buys. At least 5 trucks roll in weekly and it goes out fast! street to get to the yard. They are also more vulnerable
to predation by dogs or cats, especially the young cranes.
Occasionally, birds have been known to cause damage to
Nanci Smith, the owner, has had a fabulous store in Wellington for years property as a territorial defense behavior upon seeing their
but decided to expand in the Gardens 5 years ago. She couldn’t be happier reflection in cars or window screens. Pesticides in yards
with that decision. She states, “I knew we would do well because our and urban areas can also be of concern as they forage for
Wellington clients expect a certain level of service and I felt we could deliver food in the ground.
Look around and enjoy these beautiful birds as they
that in a different way than others in the Gardens, Jupiter, Stuart area. Our interact within our Florida environment. Many of them can
store was well received here and the time has come to expand. We also be found in the preserves and marshes in our area. Give
fill a void for well curated artwork and accessories. Art is one of our top them their space if you come across them and be mindful of
categories, and it’s hard to find in the mid range price point. It’s either very them crossing or walking in our roadways. Finally, please
cheap or super expensive. People want original and unique pieces without do not feed them for the good of the cranes and Florida’s
purchasing a name. We offer new and consigned items at a fraction of the delicate ecosystem. For more information, please visit
the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
price and you can take it home today!” website at www.myfwc.com.
NPDES tip: Safely use and dispose of pesticides. If
all of the pesticide cannot be properly used, check with
your solid waste management authority to find out when
and where to properly dispose of this type of hazardous
waste.

Garage sales/yard
Call us to sell. See us to buy. sales are

31,000 total sq. ft. in 2 locations to serve you! NOT allowed in

PALM BEACH GARDENS: PGA National. sales
7700 N Military Trail • 561.694.0964
WELLINGTON: Wellington Marketplace
13857 Wellington Trace • 561.798.5222
myconsignanddesign.com
Nanci Smith, CEO