Sandy: The Sandhill Crane Who Joined Our Family (Northwest Reprints

by Dayton O. Hyde

An inspiring, often amusing account of an Oregon rancher who dedicates himself to saving a struggling species.

Genres: Birds, Animals, Memoir

174 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1968

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

From his other writing I've known about Dayton Hyde's love of wildlife and his committment to protecting defenseless animals, but I hadn't gotten the impression of what a goofball he could be. His long suffering wife is patient, understanding, and supportive as he develops into an expert breeder of sandhill cranes--go figure! This book was published in 1963, and I'd like to learn more about how the Yamsi Ranch in Klamath County has developed and survived in these times of disputes over water rights.

[Elizabeth Sendek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this book in the late 60's when it first came out. Back then the bald eagle was a thing of the past. I lived on the east coast at the time and never would have imagined that someday I would be able to camp next to a marsh that is home to a nesting pair of sandhills and have done so every spring for nearly 20 years. Nor did I dream that I could go to Sauvie Island in the winter and see as many as 20 bald eagles and flocks of sandhill cranes. Or that I would get to Yamsi and the Williamson River - as well as tour the Klamath marshes and attend the yearly bald eagle celebration in Klamath Falls every February. At this gathering one can see hundreds of eagles during the winter months. Thanks to the work of conservationists like Dayton Hyde- who now lives on a sanctuary for wild horses in South Dakota at the age of 88. I truly love the book as well and admire the work of this dedicated man.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books about the interaction of people and the animals they fall in love with - for Dayton O. Hyde - Sandhill Cranes. I picked this book at a library sale and didn't know what to expect and was thoroughly delighted by having done so. This is an educative and inspirational story not only about a single man's saving of an endangered species but also about his falling in love with these birds and making them part of his family and his family part of the wild and natural world. Well written, often humorous, and highly recommended.

[Gordon · Rating 2 out of 5]

an important book for the conservation cause, maybe, but for me there wasn't enough about Sandy hersel