Many Sandhill Cranes were killed in the early hunting days of the swamp. Although they were hard to kill because of their extreme wariness and good vision. When frightened or sensing danger a crane sounds its alarm cry that can be heard for miles. Other cranes and animals recognize the distress call of the Sandhill, take up the cry and flee the area. Osprey At one time the osprey nest served as guide-post to the local natives penetrating the unchartered interior.
Osprey are know to be territorial.
A pair will build their nest usually in a high tree near a prairie and this area for a couple of miles in all directions will become their domain. No other osprey will establish a nest in their territory. The osprey repair their nests when necessary using the same nest year after year. The fact that these nests are in high places, are large and easily seen, remain for many years, and are several miles apart, make them useful landmarks to the local natives. Anhingas, or water turkeys, look a great deal like a wild turkey except that it has webbed feet and is definitely not good to eat.