Community Corner

Reader's React: Sand Hill Crane Death on Collier Parkway

Does the death of a bird on Collier Parkway speak to a larger problem?

Earlier this week, we wrote about a Sand Hill crane found dead on Collier Parkway and a sign nearby indicating the bird had been killed by someone texting and driving. 

Here's what reader Jenny Hodges said about this photo she uploaded to our page:

"I wanted to share with you a photo I took this morning of a Sandhill Crane that was hit by a car on Collier Pkwy. The bird was hit sometime on Sunday and this sign was put up sometime between 6pm last night and 7am this morning. I snapped the pic at 7am today, parking at Sonic and walking across the street. 

By 10am the sign was gone and the bird had been moved to the median. I think the sign sends an important message and I wish it had been left up. These birds mate FOR LIFE and have dynamic family units. They are large and easy to avoid and never in my life have I seen one wandering the streets AT NIGHT, so likely it was hit in the day by a careless driver. So sad."

The post and photo has sparked conversation on the website and Land O' Lakes Patch Facebook Page. Here's some of what our Facebook readers had to say:

Cherylann Garippa Bellavia wrote: "Why haven't the police monitored the area if there's been complaints?"

Terri Readdy wrote: "texting is a secondary offense.... should be able to be stopped & issued a warning - collect enough of those & it becomes a primary offense. If you see one dead sandhill crane - look for the other - they often end up coming on the road after the dead mate so pull the dead one off the road by some distance to save the mate the same fate."

Ana Kurland wrote: "I drive past it on my way to work. It's very sad. I love the cranes."

Angie Martinez wrote: "This makes me so MAD! Why people can't slow down and pay attention...these poor animals! I live off Van Dyke and it happens all the time -- at night I go 40 because I will not hit a deer or other if I can help it!"

Brian Innerbichler wrote: "please slow down for our animals. believe me ,it wont make you late."

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