Spring Sandhills

I've noticed a subtle coloration change in the Sandhills since they've returned to Crex a few weeks ago.



The photo above was taken 3-23-10 and this Crane lacks a lot of the rusty brown colors. (click to enlarge all photos)

The photos below were taken 4-6-10. A quote from the WDNR EEK website says:
In the spring, they actually "paint" their feathers with mud to camouflage themselves in brown grasses. 



I watched this pair by the refuge repeatedly stick their bills in the mud then preen themselves. Minerals from the mud then color their feathers.