A state biologist explained that the male crane was interpreting it reflection as another male crane, competing for a territory and for his mate. The biologist is going to try and trap them, band them, fit them with transmitters and turn them loose. He hoped the experience of being trapped, banded and held for 30 minutes will be enough to discourage this pair. This continues until one bird runs or flies away, sometimes closely pursued by the victorious bird. Fighting is dangerous to both participants, however, so cranes use a complex system of threat behaviors allowing rivals to avoid fighting.
Communication includes both physical postures and vocalizations.
That keen sense of direction and fearless demeanor are musts for the migratory sandhills who must brave ice and snow on their early return flights. Some go all the way to the edge of the Arctic Circle. They can fly at 52 m.p.h. but prefer to soar at altitudes of 3,000 to 5,000 feet in North America. During migration, large numbers of these birds drop into resting and staging areas every spring and fall. One of the main staging areas is in northern Indiana.