NASA shares a stunning image of a Sandhill Crane with ‘large, brown eyes’; here’s what makes this bird special?

NASA’s Instagram account is renowned for the simply awe-inspiring space visuals that regularly include some of the most stunning pictures of galaxies, nebulae, planets, and other cosmic marvels. However, this time around, the space agency has come out with something unexpected and way off the space topic. This time, it posted a picture of a big, brown-eyed

Sandhill Crane

.

The post quickly gained attention from social media users, who wondered why NASA would feature a bird on their platform.

NASA shares stunning image of Sandhill Crane

The photo posted by NASA is an excellent visual of the Sandhill Crane. In the picture, the bird’s large brown eyes appear to look directly at the camera, giving an almost eye-to-eye contact with the viewer. Its long, slender neck and grey body are also visible. The backdrop has a blue sky with a few clouds, creating a serene and natural atmosphere.

It has been built a distance away; one can actually see the famous Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) of Kennedy Space Center against the crane’s viewfinder: square and clear against the skyline, VAB serves as an indispensable component of the space center that will house and ready rockets for their launches. And just beneath its very windows is seen the NASA “meatball” logo on the VAB-a discreet note on the overall central position taken by the space center in terms of space technology compared to the other serenity with full of wild animals.

What makes this Sandhill Crane at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center so special?

NASA gave some interesting context regarding the bird. The agency explains that the bird is among 1,500 species of plants and animals found at Kennedy Space Center located in Florida. In this region, the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge has merged with Kennedy Space Center making this place a space of unique type that supports and helps wildlife living close to one of the country’s most celebrated spaceports for NASA.
The region is often referred to as the Space Coast, which is particularly advantageous for the conditions needed by Sandhill Cranes. Freshwater environments in that region are extremely shallow and, therefore, provide ideal places for nesting, offering a rich food supply of both plants and small creatures. The wetland areas especially provide ideal living conditions for cranes; hence, Kennedy Space Center is yet another notable home for these magnificent birds.

Social media reactions highlight NASA followers’ admiration for crane at Kennedy Space Center

The social media reactions were fast and varied, as is usually the case with NASA’s posts. Followers were in a mix of wonder and surprise to see a bird rather than a spacecraft or planet on the agency’s page. One commenter mentioned the beauty of the crane and the blue sky, which he said would be a perfect scene for “a successful rocket day.” Another person marveled at the bird’s beauty, while another commented that they had learned something new. Some fans even seemed pleasantly shocked at the idea of a crane being part of the

wildlife at NASA

, with one commenter asking, “A crane at NASA?”
These reactions are testaments to the interest and infatuation space enthusiasts and occasional viewers alike hold for the many facets of NASA, whether these have a direct relationship with space or to the special environment surrounding the Kennedy Space Center.

Sandhill crane habitat and diet showcase resilience at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center

The Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) is an interesting bird that lives in a variety of habitats, but it loves to live in freshwater wetlands. National Geographic reports that these cranes are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant material and animal matter. Their diet includes a variety of plants, grains, and small animals like mice, snakes, insects, and worms.
Adult Sandhill Cranes can be 5 to 6 feet tall, with some being as tall as even more. The lifespan of an adult Sandhill Crane is as long as 20 years and migrates annually between northern breeding grounds and southern wintering locations. Sandhill cranes are also known for their loud, vocal calls that carry for long distances. This amazing bird is a symbol of resilience, adapting to various ecosystems, including the delicate environment found at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Role of wildlife at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center

Not only is NASA’s Kennedy Space Center a space exploration hub, but it also has been declared an important wildlife refuge. This place harbors various types of plant and animal species. One of the most remarkable is the Sandhill Crane. This kind of collaboration between NASA and the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge showcases how this agency could keep the natural habitat in order while expanding its limits for space exploration.
The unique location of the Kennedy Space Center on the Space Coast is a haven for many species, many of which thrive in the wetlands. Indeed, the Sandhill Crane presence at NASA reminds people of the beauty surrounding the space center and creates a contrast between the technological advances of NASA and the thriving wildlife that also lives there.
Also Read | NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter captures kidney bean-shaped frozen sand dunes, offering clues to Mars’ potential for life